NEWS!

June 11, 2010
Composer and multidisciplinary artist David Byrne gives a TED talk on the role of architecture in shaping musical innovation. Fascinating. media type="custom" key="6368047"

June 8, 2010
[|Bandcamp] is an awesome new site for making your music available (and tracking stats on who's listening).

June 1, 2010
An informative panel on [|musicians and health insurance] and insights into health reform and how it may affect musicians.

May 28, 2010
Driving viral YouTube videos--can you help create a [|viral video] for yourself?

May 24, 2010
Check out this terrific blog, [|Social Media Examiner], that explains social media and has tons of tips for helping social media work for you.

May 19, 2010
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May 11, 2010
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May 10, 2010
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April 30, 2010
This guy sold 15,000 CDs at $10 each in 18 months (do the math!)! Check out how he did it. media type="youtube" key="ZUfXB5uY9KA" height="385" width="480"

April 25, 2010
Here's a clip of [|Buddy Holly] talking with his recording label, Decca about some contract issues. He was 21. media type="youtube" key="XHw5hEUPq38" height="385" width="480"

April 24, 2010
Here's a short video on social media trends media type="youtube" key="sIFYPQjYhv8" height="385" width="640"

April 23, 2010
If you'd like a spot to upload audio tracks other than MySpace, check out [|Sound Cloud]. Looks pretty slick.

April 21, 2010
Building on Ron's moving goalposts in a whole new direction, check out award winning [|Baby Loves Music] a series of kiddie board books (remember those?) that include a CD. The series includes Baby Loves Jazz, Baby Loves Hip Hop, Baby Loves Salsa, and more, all recorded by top young artists. Good music (parents appreciate that!) and fun illustration.

A [|Facebook] site for musicians interested in working overseas! Hmmm

April 19, 2010
Under the [|new health care legislation], young adults may be able to stay under their parents' health insurance policies until age 26, according to a story on MPR today. The main subject of the story is a 24 year old guy who is a drummer, recording engineer, and carpenter.

April 12, 2010
RIP Malcolm McClaren, godfather of punk, manager of the Sex Pistols, and provocateur of popular music. Malcolm said, "...to create anything...you had to be prepared to fail...to go through an idea without fear."

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April 1, 2010
No April Fool here--check out [|Tunecore] for digital uploads (and revenues) for your music. Here's a blog [|post]

March 28, 2010


Even Imogen Heap, on tour in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc., still has marketing and other 'businessy' stuff to do:

March 27, 2010
Cory Wong scores the first-ever solo guitar placement on Rock Band! Scroll down to October 23, 2009 for more info on licensing to video games. media type="youtube" key="8SCSpfFd-uo" height="385" width="640"

March 20, 2010
Some follow-up to our ** MONEY MATTER$ ** conversations: With a "High Deductible Health Plan" (HDHP) you can also set up a special savings account to gradually build up savings to cover the deductible amount of your Plan (+co-pays and prescriptions). You can open a [|"Health Savings Account" (HSA)] at banks, credit unions, and through employers. (go to the link and click on "Health Savings Account").
 * Health Insurance **

March 17, 2010
Ira Glass, NPR radio host of This American Life (listened to by 1.7 million people every Saturday), talks about getting started and getting good at creative work. Reminded me of the Art and Fear story about making one perfect pot versus making a large quantity of pots. Good stuff. media type="youtube" key="-hidvElQ0xE" height="344" width="425"

March 14, 2010
Check out [|Artistdata] -- sync all your social media updates from one central location!

March 12, 2010
Here's a cool [|article] on some ways musicians are using social media in creative ways. One guy, for example, managed to get a sponsor to fund his last semester of college!!

March 11, 2010
Do you think Johnny Bunko needs a 7th rule? Like "have an enemy"? Check out this [|article] (that includes a trailer to the documentary "It Might Get Loud"), and let me know what you think.

March 9, 2010
As we get into MONEY discussions, **health insurance and healthcare options** are often big concerns. Here's a Minneapolis organization that serves under and uninsured individuals, [|Neighborhood Involvement Project] (N.I.P.), located in Uptown. N.I.P. operates a medical/dental clinic with basic professional services available on a sliding fee scale.

Dick Dale, "The Legendary King of Surf Guitar" who wrote the music to Pulp Fiction. Here's his 3 minute MBA for musicians."...and that's why the industry hates Dick Dale!" (and why you should pay attention) media type="youtube" key="8AJxc3Lxn4o" height="344" width="425"

March 7, 2010
Worrying what will happen after graduation? Here's a cool little vid called "Growing Up" media type="youtube" key="WgwboxatZPw" height="340" width="560"

March 6, 2010
[|TuneCore] music and video distribution has come up in class a few times. TuneCore is a one-stop distribution aggregator that can be a terrific (and inexpensive) way to get your digital music out a dozen or more online stores, from iTunes to Amazon to Rhapsody to MySpace Music. There's a TuneCore tour on the homepage.

Dessa's latest tour diary is up on [|City Pages]. Some great insights from the touring lifestyle, and questions about fame and celebrity and its relative importance. Here's a shot of Dessa with Jessy Greene in LA:



February 28, 2010
Just for fun--check out visual rhythm from Michael Moschen media type="youtube" key="qjHoedoSUXY" height="344" width="425"

February 27, 2010
[|"The Olympic Musical"], an interactive article from the New York Times, that illustrates with tones, the time differences between the finishers in timed events at the Olympics. Pretty amazing.

February 26, 2010
[|Kickstarter] is a funding platform for creative people and projects. Raise money, gain fans, make it happen! Check it out!

February 24, 2010
Check out Dessa's latest tour diary at [|City Pages]. She's finding her stride on stage and in rope jumping--some good insights and tips into long-form touring.



February 23, 2010
1. If you're interested in music work in the film industry, check out this [|video interview]

February 22, 2010
**THE SAVVY MUSICIAN CHALLENGE--anyone want to try this?** The purpose of //The Savvy Musician Challenge// is to: 1) Engage music students on important issues 2) Foster meaningful discussion 3) Provide an opportunity for students to share their ideas with others 4) Open up a national/international dialogue
 * Purpose**

During the Spring 2010 semester, 3 open-ended challenges are posed to various student groups (from career development classes, arts entrepreneurship clubs, career centers, etc.). Participants from each entity write responses. Each institution submits their best answer to //The Savvy Musician// //Blog// (www.SavvyMusician.com/blog < __[]__ > ), which will post a new solution each day for a week following the closing date. Afterwards, participants can study, reflect, and comment on responses by colleagues from different regions.
 * How it works**

For each challenge, we’re hoping to present 5-7 responses. In total, this will allow us to represent around 20 different music schools.

Within your program, there are several ways this effort could be organized: · Have students write responses individually, and submit the best statement. · Have groups work together. Discuss all solutions as a class, and nominate the best idea//.// · Begin with a class discussion, and select someone to write up the consensus. · Have groups write responses, discuss their thoughts with the class, and devise a composite statement. · Invite a select group of creative students to address the issue. · Host a competition to see who invents the most creative solution. · Some other variation.

More than anything, we want to involve your students while opening their minds to new possibility.


 * The Challenges**

Complete by: Monday, March 15 > Complete by: Monday, April 5 >  Complete by: Monday, April 26 > Submissions should be 1000 words or less, well written, and free of errors. Be sure to have a clear thesis and logical form. //Please title submissions.// Additionally, include author name, and add a short paragraph at the end describing your school, class, club, or program. Since this represents your institution, be sure articles are high quality.
 * 1)  **Are Musicians Truly Important?**  Most people would immediately agree that doctors, farmers, and teachers provide essential services to our communities. But what about musicians? Is our work vital? What kind of important differences can we make?
 * 1)  **Attracting New Audiences.**  Classical and jazz performances often appeal to only a small segment of our population, typically aficionados. Design a chamber music experience (4 players or less) that will engage new and untraditional audiences. Describe your target demographic(s), why they will be interested, the event design, and marketing strategy.
 * 1)  **Music Solves Real Problems.**  Pick a pressing challenge that faces your community or country, and design a music-based initiative that helps address or solve that issue. Any dilemma is fair game (from large-scale matters like national security or health care to localized concerns). Be creative, and propose something important.

**Dawn Bennett**, __D.Bennett@curtin.edu.au__
 * David Cutler**, __cutler@savvymusician.com__

February 20, 2010
Here's an intriguing opinion piece in the [|New York Times] (major media outlet!) from OK Go about streaming videos, major labels, and future possibilities for upcoming bands. Check it out--I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on this. It will also be interesting to track the comments on this article.

February 19, 2010
Income tax season is upon us. Just learned about this [|Fox Tax, LLC]. They claim to specialize in artistic people and organizations. This is not an endorsement of their services, but worth checking out.



February 14, 2010
Here's an [|NPR story] on fair use to help you prepare for this week's guest speakers. "We're talking about balance. You want strong enforcement when people are breaking the law, but you also want strong limitations and exceptions so people can create and innovate."

February 12, 2010
Another possible route for performing (and income, including school loan repayment, health insurance, and more benefits) is **music in the military**. McNally student Dan Heier is a good person to talk with about this option. Here's some info on the Minnesota National Guard bands:  GO TO SCHOOL OR WORK FULL TIME AND PERFORM WITH THE NATIONAL GUARD BAND PART-TIME

Your State National Guard Band has Part-Time job openings in the following positions: Brass Percussion Bass Guitar Guitar Woodwind Keyboard

The Band Unit meets one weekend a month and 14 days in the Summer.

All interested musicians between the ages of 17- 42 qualify (HS Students 17 or Over Welcomed)

FEATURES & BENEFITS

State Tuition Assistance Qualify for your States Tuition Assistance Program

Federal Tuition Assistance Qualify for up to an additional $4,500 a year in Federal Tuition.

Salary Earn a monthly income for doing a job you love, playing your instrument

Montgomery GI Bill Additional to a monthly salary and college tuition funds, college students can qualify for additional monthly funds such as: Full Time Student $309/month ¾ Time Student $231/month ½ Time Student $153/month ¼ Time Student $ 77/month

Student Loan Repayment Program Qualify for the Army National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program for up to $50,000.

Professional Equipment Professional instruments provided to all members of the National Guard Band

Commissary and Post Exchange (PX) Privileges All members of the National Guard are entitled to shop at any Armed forces Commissary or Post Exchange location in the World. This offers you many opportunities to save money. Each Commissary and Post Exchange offers as much as 25% savings over commercial stores on products and service available.

Travel Benefits Members are entitled to travel, at no charge on a space-available (Space –A) basis, on military aircraft within and between the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Advanced Pay Grade. Musicians may enlist at advanced pay grades of E4.

Lodging Facilities Worldwide Take advantage of the discount rates offered at Military Lodging facilities throughout the world. Military lodging is available to all National Guard members. These accommodations include hotels and camp grounds worldwide. One example is the Shades of Green Hotel located in the center of Walt Disney. This is one of the many hotels owned by the United States Army offering discount rates for vacational and recreational use for military personnel and there families only.

Family Member ID Cards These ID cards are provided to family members of the National Guard. They will allow the family members, Spouses and children who meet the required age, to use certain military facilities.

Health Care Benefits All Members of the National Guard Band and their immediate families may apply for Tri-Care health and Dental benefits at a very reduced rate for military.

Life Insurance The insurance plan offered to Guard members is the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which provides coverage for a Guard member 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It costs approximately $16.25 per month for $250,000 of insurance with smaller amounts of coverage available. Family coverage is available through Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). This program is available to the spouses and dependent children of members insured under the SGLI program. FSGLI provides up to a maximum of $100,000 of insurance coverage for spouses, not to exceed the SGLI amount of the insured member. It also provides $10,000 for dependent children. Spousal coverage is issued in increments of $10,000. Coverage costs vary among plans.

Veterans Administration Home Loans Army National Guard members may be eligible for a minimum or no down payment loan, offered by the Veterans Administration, to make buying a home more affordable. VA loans are available for home purchases and refinances. A VA loan eliminates the home buyer's need to make a down payment and purchase private mortgage insurance for homes up to $359,650.

CONTACT SERGEANT JOHN A. WILSON AT : __john.a.wilson1@us.army.mil__

February 9, 2010
Beaker is awesome! But beyond that, this little video provides an entertaining metaphor for the risks we take putting creative work out to the world where people who may not understand it can comment on it... media type="youtube" key="EAtBki0PsC0" height="340" width="560"

February 6, 2010
Thanks to [|Jenna Anderson] (and her blog that's continued long since class ended!) for a fascinating story about [|OK Go], YouTube, and the changing nature of the music industry. Jenna's blog post includes a letter to fans about why their label (EMI) pulled embedding capacity from their videos. While you're looking around, check out their social networking connectivity and some of the clever and cool stuff they're doing to connect to fans. Here's the full video from "This Too Shall Pass": media type="custom" key="5310113"

January 29, 2010
The Minnesota State Arts Board is seeking individuals who would like to serve on advisory panels that will review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the board. Panelists are needed for six programs: Arts Access, Arts Learning, Arts Tour Minnesota, Community Arts Schools and Conservatories, Folk and Traditional Arts, Minnesota Festival Support. For more detail about each program visit http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/machf.htm

Advisory panel members must have expertise and experience in a particular area of the arts, arts funding, or administration; in-depth knowledge of the Minnesota arts community; communications and decision-making skills; and an ability to work well in a group. Artists, administrators, educators, volunteer directors of arts organizations, trustees of arts organizations, and other participants in the arts may serve as advisory panel members.

Panel member must read all materials in advance of the scheduled panel meeting, and attend and fully participate in the panel meeting. Panels generally will last two to four days, and will take place sometime between March 29 and April 30, 2010.

Panel members do not receive compensation, but will be reimbursed for allowable travel, lodging, and meal costs.

To nominate yourself, or someone else, please complete a nomination form: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/pubs/pubs/panel_nomination_2007.pdf Submit it, with a current resume, to Jennifer Tonko via e-mail, fax, or mail: jennifer.tonko@arts.state.mn.us, fax: (6510 215-1602, phone: (651) 215-1608 | (800) 866-2787, Minnesota State Arts Board, 200 Park Square Court, 400 Sibley Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Serving on a grants panel is a fantastic way to learn about arts activities in Minnesota, meet cool and influential people, get a snazzy resume item, and serve the public good. They are often looking for younger people to balance their panels.

December 9, 2009
Major record companies [|being sued] --to $6 billiion--by ARTISTS!

And here's a commentary from Ron Sobel: "The U.S. labels just made a Settlement of their “P&U” (Pending & Undistributed) secret fund: $300 Million !!!! And Harry Fox Agency (publishers) just admitted that they have an $80 Million P&U fund !!!! Our job: fix that mess. There is a better way." R.

November 24, 2009
 **Erik Friedlander: Block Ice & Propane** Saturday, December 5, 2009 8pm McGuire Theater @ the Walker Art Center **$13 Advance Tickets for McNally Smith students (regularly $22)** Call the box office at 612-375-7600, ext. 4 and mention that you are a McNally student  “One of today’s most ingenious and forward-thinking musical practitioners.” — Billboard

This collection of cinematic cello compositions by jazz/new music phenom Erik Friedlander (John Zorn, Laurie Anderson) was inspired by years of family road trips with all the trimmings: campers, tourist traps, picnic tables, truck stops, lonely highways, stark panoramas. In Block Ice & Propane, these new compositions are paired with family and “road cycle” images created by his father, celebrated photographer Lee Friedlander, and mother Maria Friedlander, films by Bill Morrison, and engaging short tales about the kind of travels familiar to so many of us. Taking inspiration from American roots music, Friedlander executes extraordinary finger-picking technique and reverberant tunings, creating a fresh form of American cello music that is lyrical, plainspoken, and emotional.

November 21, 2009
A stunning Minnesota example of the power of the 'new' music industry--Adam Young aka Owl City from Owatonna, Minnesota.

Check out this N[|ew York Times] article. Here's his [|MySpace] page and [|official website]. Note the integration of social media and commercial partnerships!

November 20, 2009
//"Do Music Artists Fare Better in a World with Illegal Filesharing?"// A fascinating piece from the [|London Times] --the news may be better for performing musicians than some have said.

November 18, 2009
Bet you know [|these guys] !

November 5, 2009
Here's a sample [|invoice] for gigging or other uses that can be personalized

November 2, 2009
[|"United Breaks Guitars"] guy has his luggage lost by United Airlines, but builds his career in an unusual way!!

[|Navah Perlman] [|Zuill Bailey] [|Allison Brown] [|Gerd Leonard] [|Javon Jackson] [|Bang on a Can]
 * "The Ride of Your Life"** video was released in 2002, but all the artists interviewed continue to have big and growing careers. Where are they now?

October 27, 2009
For all you social networkers naysayers--[|ArtistData] will update everything at once for you! Who knows/uses other sites like this?

October 26, 2009
What's the difference between an 'average music student' and an 'entrepreneurial music student'? Read [|this] to find out (do you agree?)

Here's a [|sane article] on social networking for musicians

Unusual **marketing idea**, from Joe Ippolito at [|Good.is] "At the Feast, one of the most interesting bits of knowledge came from __Kenna__ (who’s first album, New Sacred Cow, you should own, and who Malcolm Gladwell writes about at some length in Blink). While opening for No Doubt, Kenna refused to have his name listed on any of the tickets or promotional material for the concerts. This flies in the face of traditional marketing, which is all about getting your name out there. But think about it: Most people show up late to concerts, skipping the opening act. By not listing his name on the bill, everyone showed up on time, not wanting to miss No Doubt’s set. Instead of playing for five or six hundred people, he was playing for 10,000 or 15,000. The lesson? Challenge traditional ideas."

October 23, 2009
A new potential music distribution option: **Rock Band Network**. Here's an [|article] about it. What do you think?media type="youtube" key="gT4SkIZK4ck" height="340" width="560"

Copyright is Confusing!
But there are many sources for information in sorting through your rights as a creative artist. Here are a few:


 * Public Knowledge** is a Washington DC based public interest group working to defend your rights in the emerging digital culture. Here's [|link] to a copyright tutorial for musicians (there's a slideshow link with a summary version).


 * Creative Commons** is a new approach to ownership of creative products that offers choices of 'some rights reserved' instead of the 'all rights reserved' of traditional copyright law. Here are a couple of videos on [|CC] and [|here] . Check out Creative Commons at [|www.creativecommons.org].

Music Business Plan
Here's a thorough approach to designing a [|music business plan], written by Peter Spellman of Music Business Solutions.

October 9, 2009
Bobby Stanton is giving guitar lessons via Skype video conferencing. Check it out [|here].

September 30, 2009
Here's an article from [|Mashable.com] with great sites for streaming music

September 25, 2009
Here's a cool [|video] on the evolution of technology (so far!)

An interview with [|"Dr. Sam"] a physician in NE Mpls who specializes in caring for artists.

Here are some [|links to blogs by] young professional musicians.

September 7, 2009
McNally Smith grad Alex Young 's new website

August 26, 2009
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Cool article on how musicians can build an [|online presence]

April 26, 2009
Check out this cool summary of [|DIY career-building for musicians]--lots of great links too! Straightforward [|tips on leading a band]

Are musicians recession-proof? Read [|this] and let's talk.

Music as prescription medicine? What do you think of [|this?]

April 16, 2009
1[|0 top social media sites] for college students

Interested in building your teaching studio? [|"Along Comes Music"] is an in-home music lesson company. It's new to me, but might be worth checking out.

Brian Casey sent this link on being a [|'jinglesmithy'] : "we can talk for two hours and not explain the process as concisely as this article does. I highly recommend you pass this along to anyone who is either interested in learning how to get into the commercial music world or how the process of dealing with ad agency clients works. really a great explanation of the biz."

April 13, 2009
An interesting [|resume re-do] from GOOD Magazine. Be sure to check out the comments below the article!

Here's a [|day brightener] for you! The power of music is a good thing in the world!

April 7, 2009
Here's a link to instrument insurance for professional musicians: [|Clarion Insurance]

April 5, 2009
Videos presented by experts in many fields--check out [|Big Think].

April 1, 2009
Up-to-date [|resume] tips!

March 30, 2009
From the film, "The Ride of Your Life," Gerd Leonard is the [|Media Futurist]. See what Gerd has been up to since 2002. And here's an article on [|Alison Brown], banjo virtuoso and record label owner.

Here's a short talk by the creator of [|Twitter], describing some of the uses for it he never imagined originally.

For the adventurous folks who are trying [|Twitter], here are a few of my favorite sites to follow: artistshousemusic; social media 411; musicianwages; McNally Smith; digital natives; Springboard for the Arts; smallbizbee; The Onion; Add your favorites here:

March 29, 2009
[|AudioLife] is a simple way to distribute your music and merch, and an [|example]of the system in action.

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Great little piece on MPR this morning--the [|Ada-Borup H.S. pep band](170+ kids in the h.s./70-some in the band). What struck me was the director's non-traditional approach--he arranges or composes all their music, runs it more like a rock band, includes guitars, etc.=====

March 26, 2009
Here's a link to [|Baby Loves Music], where you'll find books and recordings and short videos for Baby Loves Disco, Baby Loves Jazz, Baby Loves Blues, Baby Loves Hip Hop, Baby Loves Salsa, and Baby Love Reggae. It's like Comtemp Lit for kids! (And some pretty darn creative work for a bunch of fine musicians).

An interesting article about [|YouTube], Warner Bros. Records, and cover songs, from the New York Times.
[|Artist House Music and John Snyder] An amazing resource from our amazing guest.

March 20, 2009
Here's an article on musicians' business plans from [|Hypebot]

Another post-graduation option is [|national service]through established groups like [|Teach for America]or [|Americorps]. The "National Service" bill is working through Congress, expanding opportunities. Here's the story on [|NPR]

The House of Representatives on Wednesday [|passed legislation]that would more than triple the number of participants in the AmeriCorps national service program and create several new programs aimed at increasing the number of Americans engaged in community service, fulfilling a campaign pledge of President Obama's. The bill, a version of which the Senate's education committee also approved Wednesday, would increase the number of AmeriCorps participants to 250,000 from the current 75,000, increase the education reward they receive in exchange for their service to $5,350 for next year, and link increases in that payment to match future boosts in the Pell Grant maximum to keep up with rising college costs.

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[|Top 10 Gigs You Might Not Have Thought o]f --check 'em out! Cool article on [|Twitter for Musicians!]=====

March 14, 2009

 * Dessa** was featured on [|MPR Midmorning] program on Friday, March 13, 2009. She performs a bit (music and reads from her new book) and she's got some great things to say.

The Star Tribune posted a timely story on **2009 college grads** [|here].

March 9, 2009
Check out this cool article from the Chicago Tribune--[|"College Music Programs Booming Despite Economic Bust"]--great stuff! Work for musicians is growing in all sorts of ways.

**Summer Jobs for College Musicians!**
[|Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp]. Call 800-221-3796 for application materials! 180 staff positions available for college musicians with interest and aptitude in working with young people. Cabin Counselors, June 22-Aug.23; salary $1,400 to $2,300 (based on experience). In addition to being a cabin counselor, there are performance opportunities and the opportunity to meet and perform with professional faculty from all over the country.

March 8, 2009
Great pre-graduation thought for the day (spotted on a t-shirt!):

Growth is optional. Choose wisely." --unknown//**
 * //"Life is change.

**XKCD**
Here a witty cartoon-style website with an interesting perspective on the world--[|XKCD]: "A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language." I'm including it here because of the creator's approach to [|intellectual property] (Creative Commons, you can reprint the comics you like, pretty much where you like, just give him credit), and because there are a number of cartoons related to music, file sharing, and the like.

March 04, 2009
Watch for the "Pick 6" article in the Star Tribune as I am one of the contributors. Basically with this article I get to pick 3 recent musical events and write short reviews about them. Hope you dig! Daniel - peace.love.music //Congrats, Daniel! I dig! --JW//

February 28, 2009
Here's an [|inspiring musician story]--not just for what this man has overcome, which is inspirational in itself--but for some insights into how the brain and body process and respond to music. The power of music is amazing!

Welcome to the [|Twitterverse!]Check out a story from NPR on the Twitter explosion.

February 26, 2009
[|MacPhail Center for Music]is hosting a free session on **autism and music therapy on March 4**. If you have any potential interest in or curiosity about music therapy, stop by--it should be a fascinating discussion.

January 29, 2009
One of my favorite sites is [|Indexed]. The author posts a simple, hand-drawn diagram everyday that illustrates something of interest. She's amazingly clever and really to the point. [|This entry] addresses a key aspect of our Circle Building wor k. Scroll down through the comments until you find "Ed". His expansion of the original idea is even better:

What you know, Who you know, and WHAT YOU DO ABOUT IT! (has anyone called Dessa yet?)
Think about how you can develop your contacts in this way!

I love this little video, titled **"Music and Life**," from the creators of South Park with text by philosopher Alan Watts
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February 7, 2009
TED (Technology, Education, and Design) offers a tremendously rich series of short video talks by world renowned artists, speakers, scientists, designers, and others. They are seriously great, thought-provoking pieces. Here's one to get you thinking by Sir Ken Robinson who says schools kill creativity. Check it out [|here].

February 10, 2009
Check out this fascinating piece on our exponential age: media type="youtube" key="W14CInvw9Ao" height="344" width="425"

Here's a cool video about the drummer from The Clash, talking about [|'drum therapy'] Note the side bar articles on music therapy topics as well.

And one more for today: CBC Radio has a [|concerts-on-demand] service. Currently, 897 concerts of jazz, pop, rock, classical, and world music--full concerts, all free!

February 12, 2009
I came across a cool blog--**musicianwages.com**--lots of practical entries for musicians. Here's one on [|resumes]and another on [|business cards]. Note their Facebook and Twitter pages as well