Taxes can be daunting (especially if you’re self-employed). Setting yourself up for success means setting up systems you can use throughout the year to track your income and expenses, keep organized financial records, pay estimated taxes, and manage write-offs. In this post, you’ll learn seven practical things you can do all year long to help you prepare for tax season. Whether you’re just starting your music career or you’ve been doing this for a while, I hope these strategies help you feel confident and prepared for tax season.
What to say and not say to injured musicians! Have you ever felt lost and nervous when speaking to an injured friend or colleague? You are not alone. Often, we say things we think will help but cause more hurt and harm. In this article, Mariah helps us all as she shares mindful ways to communicate, pulling on her own experience and what was said to her when she experienced a career-ending injury.
Massage to help your artistry. Have you ever thought about it? Many of us think of massage to relieve the discomfort of making music. Still, few consider how a targeted and specific approach frees up more capacity for beauty. In this article, find out about Maria Berglund and her technique, approach, and the benefits of her work.
Musicians, it’s time we face the music. We need to work out. No, we don’t have to be extreme about it, and we don’t have to be ripped, but we need strength, stability, and movement capacity. Caroline Juster shares her perspective, personal story, and some very approachable tips for getting the most out of your body and life through movement. Check it out!
Breath is such an overlooked topic in the music world. Of course, musicians who need to breathe to create sound think about it often, but HOW you breathe has an immense impact on much more than just the sound you make. Dr. Xenia-Pestova Bennett examines some of the positive ways we can influence our human (and music-making) experience through breathing. Read on to find out more.
Austin Pancner of The Functional Musician shares some insight into why warming up and cooling down during a practice session is key to maintaining good playing health and keeping injuries at bay. He includes an accessible routine if you’re looking for some easy-to-use exercises to take into the practice room with you now.
Dr. Brianne Borden breaks down a few simple ways musicians can use yoga to prepare the mind and body for successful music-making and peak performance. This is not an intimidating asana prescription, it is simple and applicable to all musicians (and people) looking for ease and awareness and eventually control. This is a fantastic resource for those looking for a quick reset that can be used anywhere at any time.
Time and time again, we learn that simple can often be just as tasty and nutritious as complicated. Our co-founder, Madeline, shares a delicious Squash Soup recipe that is just that. And to be honest, no matter what you’re juggling the season at this point, it’s usually a lot - so help yourself to a simple serving of this delicious and nutritious seasonal soup.
Nothing screams cozy and comforting and perfect for Fall like root vegetables. Check out this mouthwateringly delicious Stir-fried beets, greens, and tofu recipe from Angela Pickett (aka @thenewfoundyorker) which just happens to be vegan, sustainable and nourishing.
Kelsey Crawford contributes yet another beautiful and simple recipe. This one is for your taste buds to enjoy. Along with cooking instructions, she also supplies additional nutritional information addressing Chinese medicine AND Western Science. Plus she gives a tasty wine pairing suggestion. Win Win Win.
Kelsey Crawford contributed this easy to make base salve recipe. A few added variations to ingredients keep it handy throughout the seasons. Include a little raw honey and you'll have a luxurious, moisturizing lip balm.
Pianist and educator Jana Jana Neplechovitsj shares her thoughts and a brief overview of Janet Horvath’s most recent publication, The Cello Still Sings, her family’s story of surviving the Holocaust, and how life was forever changed. It’s a touching and intense story of a musical family over several generations. Don’t miss this one!
Have you listened to the latest album from our favorite Norwegian band, Østerlide? If you haven’t, you absolutely should! Kilden is available everywhere you like to listen to music, and it will tickle your fancies in all the best ways, plus a few unexpected ones. Read our review and then give it a listen, and don’t forget to tell us what you think!
Our review of the album Do Not Lament by Rebecca Nelson. This recording touched us on so many levels and resonated deeply. Released by Il Pirata Records in March, it’s a must-listen!
Our first review of a children’s book is an incredible portrayal of the importance of self-expression written by the Grammy-nominated musician Valerie June and illustrated by Marcela Avelar. Somebody to Love is a stunning piece of art. Read on to find out more.
Applying sports psychology to music-making is a hot topic, but how does it work exactly? Why is it an effective way of training mentally? Violinist Dimitry Olevsky breaks it down so we can all understand it. And he would know. He wrote a dissertation about it and applies it to his teaching and performing career.