January 16, 2025
Elijah Wald, whose book Dylan Goes Electric! inspired the new biopic A Complete Unknown, talks about the musicianship of an American icon. Plus: Music & Arts Gear & Book Guide A funny thing began happening at multiplex movie theaters this past holiday season. Rock ’n’ roll experts and veteran musicians went to see a […]
January 13, 2025
When musicians of all stripes have gear-transportation problems, Gator has durable, smartly designed solutions. “Alligators are tough,” says Rob Garofala, director of U.S. Sales for Gator Cases, one of the world’s most popular instrument-accessory companies. He’s referring, first off, to the animals—the seemingly indestructible creatures that slither throughout our various wetlands, bearing a distinctive skin […]
October 31, 2024
The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig Around 2019, Tony Levin was deep into another tour with King Crimson, playing some of the most complex and intimidating prog-rock ever recorded. Warming up backstage after […]
October 22, 2024
Explore nylon-string technique with these tips from a veteran Nashville-based guitarist and Music & Arts instructor. The Nashville-based guitarist and educator William “Tiger” Fitzhugh, who teaches at the Music & Arts in Hendersonville, Tenn., is a fount of guitar knowledge spanning styles, techniques and eras. He’s also a delightfully funny, self-deprecating storyteller. To wit: Decades […]
October 7, 2024
Essential tips for making the most out of your focused practice time. It’s happened to all of us. You sit down with your instrument with the intention of practicing, but quickly feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. Where do I even start? Am I practicing the right way? What should I […]
Understanding the fundamental maintenance tasks that will help your guitar stay in tune. It’s hard to overstate the importance of having a guitar that consistently plays in tune. Many beginners struggle more than necessary simply because their instrument isn’t set up correctly. Proper tuning and intonation can make the difference between becoming a lifelong guitarist […]
October 2, 2024
Now in its 130th year, the iconic instrument brand has redefined music by balancing craftsmanship and innovation. If you’ve attended a concert, listened to the radio or a streaming service, or watched music videos at any point in the past half-century, you’re no doubt already familiar with Gibson guitars. Whether you’re into jazz, bluegrass, metal […]
September 26, 2024
The Nashville-based Music & Arts instructor, who performs with her sister in the acclaimed classical-country duo Twin Kennedy, reveals her tricks of the songwriting trade. Carli Kennedy started crafting songs before many children have picked out an instrument. “I wrote my first song at 7,” she recalls, “and I’m sure it rhymed, but I’m also […]
One of contemporary blues’ premier horn players on transcribing guitarists, controlling his sound with effects pedals, and using open space like B.B. King. The first time that trumpeter Doug Woolverton played with guitarist Warren Haynes, at a gig by Haynes’ Southern jam band Gov’t Mule, he participated in a kind of trial by fire. Haynes, […]
September 18, 2024
Buck Johnson rocks Birmingham, Ala., in June. This year, summer started with a bang thanks to a new live event series from Music & Arts, Gibson and D’Addario. Rock Road Show 2024 kicked off in June and traveled throughout the Southeastern United States, thrilling music fans and inspiring musicians to pick up and commit to […]
