Blog
Resources
Articles on lessons, practice, performance, and music theory from the teachers at Descant Music.
You Never Hear the Same Song Twice
We often think we hear the same song again and again, but every listen is a new event. Sound changes through instruments, speakers, rooms, memory,…
Pedagogical Attunement: The Quiet Superpower of Great Teaching
This article explores the concept of pedagogical attunement, the ability of a teacher to sense and respond to a student’s emotional and cognitive…
Music Lessons for Kids and the Brain: What the Research Says
Is your child’s brain reaching its full potential? Unlock cognitive growth with music lessons and give them the edge they need!
The Evolution of Music Production
From live performances to limitless tracks, music production has transformed over time. Here’s how recording shaped the way we hear music.
Why is Music Theory Important?
Music theory shapes how we understand and create music, offering tools to express ideas and explore endless creative possibilities.
What is Descant in Music?
What is descant in music? Discover the meaning, history, and how it connects to harmony, melody, and one musician's inspiring story.
Finding Your Voice in the Noise
Discover how to find your voice in the noise of the music industry and create lasting connections amidst constant trends and changes.
Discipline Over Distractions
See how discipline can boost your musical growth, unlock creativity, and make practice more rewarding. Small steps lead to big progress.
A Student Interviews Her Teacher About Songwriting Tips and Insights
Discover the songwriting process through thoughtful questions and insights from a student-teacher interview at Descant Music.
Don't Text Before the Show
Years of dedication have gone into learning your craft, mastering your instrument, and honing your voice. Countless hours have been spent writing…
The Idea Feedback Loop and Apps to Help
Capture your ideas instantly with digital tools. Practice makes perfect, and nurturing creativity daily leads to a rich library of inspirati
Summer Sounds - Keeping Kids Engaged with Music
Keep your kids engaged with music this summer! Discover fun ways to integrate music into daily routines and inspire a lifelong passion.
Don’t Derail Progress: Why Summer Lessons Matter
Thinking about taking your child out of lessons for the summer? Read this first to understand how it could impact their musical progress.
Navigating the Future of Music Education
Did you know that the first steps towards artificial intelligence (AI) were taken way back in the 1950s? This might come as a surprise, but AI, a…
From Passion to Profession
The journey of starting and running a music school, balancing passion with business skills, and the importance of persistence.
Backstage Secrets for Peak Performance
Before a show, the air is electric with anticipation, especially for singers. Each performer, whether they're gripping a mic or cradling an…
The Sound of Community
Mass Music Collective (MMC) stands as a beacon of community and collaboration in the Massachusetts music scene. It's a platform dedicated to…
A World of Music at Your Fingertips
At Descant Music, our teachers are constantly exploring innovative online tools for both guiding our lessons and inspiring creativity. One such gem…
Embracing Your Strengths in the New Year
Embracing Continuity Over Change: A New Approach to New Year's ResolutionsNew Year's resolutions are a tradition many of us entertain, if only…
How Has Singing Shaped Our History, Health and Personal Development?
Have you ever considered the profound impact singing has on our lives? It's not just an art form or a casual pastime, but a fundamental part of our…
Balancing Inspiration and Challenge as a Music Teacher
In the nuanced art of music education, understanding what makes a great teacher extends far beyond mere technical skill or knowledge. It's about…
Practicing Takes Practice
One of the first questions we hear from parents at Descant Music is about the frequency of practice: "How often should my child be practicing?" The…
Take a Bow: Preparing Young Musicians for the Spotlight
Recitals are an important part of learning music, but not just because students get to perform in front of people. A recital gives students something…
Finding the Right Age to Begin Piano Lessons
At Descant Music and Art Studio, we often hear from parents who are eager to introduce their children to music, asking, "When is the right age to…
Bands: Navigating Content, Shows, and Social Media
In today's fast-paced world, where social media reigns supreme, the beginning stages of a band is filled with challenges and paradoxes. A new band…
Singers: Match Your Voice with the Right Mic
Choosing the right microphone is like finding the perfect voice partner. It's not only about how it sounds but how it feels and functions in various…
The Real Cost of Playing for Exposure
As every aspiring musician takes their first step onto the stage, dreams of fame, success, and the pure joy of performing live fill their hearts. The…
Overcoming Embarrassment When Singing
Have you ever felt a burning desire to sing your heart out, only to be crippled by a wave of embarrassment? You're not alone. The fear of judgment or…
Learning How to Harmonize
When two or more notes are played simultaneously in a way that's pleasing to the ears, they create harmony. In singing, this beautiful layering of…
Understanding Why Guitar Strings Buzz Sometimes
There's nothing quite like the vibrant strum of a guitar resonating with perfect clarity, but when that strum is accompanied by an unwelcome buzz,…
Choose the Right Strings for Your Guitar
Guitar strings come in all shapes and sizes, with options ranging from flat wound to acoustic, nylon to steel, and everything in between. Each type…
Crafting Your Guitar's Tone
Every guitarist has a unique voice, and the journey to finding that voice begins with understanding your tone. Tone is more than just a setting on an…
Fretting the Small Stuff: Why Do Guitar Frets Get Smaller?
The guitar, while often celebrated for its expressive musical capabilities, also represents an intricate convergence of mathematics, physics, and…
Why Does the Key of C "Start" the Circle of Fifths and Not A?
In the world of music theory, intriguing questions often arise, ones that may seem simple but reveal profound insights into the historical and…
When and Where was the Piano Invented?
A graceful invention that changed the course of music history, the piano has become one of the most beloved and played instruments around the world.…
When and Where was the Guitar Invented?
The guitar, with its beautiful sound and expressive capacity, has a rich history that carves its way from its ancient roots through its development…
Jobs for Guitar Players: Success in Strumming
As a musician who has played in several bands, worked as a studio artist, and now owns my own music school, I know firsthand the dedication, passion,…
Jobs for Piano Players: Keys to Your Future
As a musician who has played many stages, mixed myself into the studio world, and now proudly owns Descant Music in Holyoke, MA, I can attest to the…
A Deep Dive into Modes - History, Application, and Artistry
Modes are a fascinating and vital aspect of music that offer a window into its multifaceted beauty. Whether you're a musician, a music educator, or…
What to Expect at My First Voice Lesson?
So you or your child have just signed up for voice lessons—now what? First off, congratulations on taking the pivotal first step toward becoming a…
What to Expect at My First Piano Lesson?
So you've just signed up for piano lessons—now what? First off, congratulations on taking that big first step toward becoming a pianist! Whether…
What to Expect at My First Guitar Lesson?
Signing up for guitar lessons - whether for yourself or for a young musician in your family - is a moment to celebrate. It's the start of a creative…
Keyboard or Piano for Beginners?
Starting piano lessons is an exciting step for you or your child. One of the very first choices you need to make is whether to start with a…
Electric or Acoustic Guitar for Beginners?
You're excited. Whether it's for you or your child, the decision to start guitar lessons has sparked a lot of enthusiasm. Now comes the big question:…