The Basics of Beatmaking
Behind every star rapper is a producer creating unforgettable beats for their songs. Pro producer Tim Koi shares his tips for crafting your own beats!
Before and After: Covering Juan Gabriel
With tweaks in instrumentals and arrangements, Mexican indie band Canvas breathes new life into Latin pop star Juan Gabriel’s iconic “Yo No Nací Para Amar”.
Before and After: Covering The Jackson 5
Lake Street Dive’s cover of the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” slows it down to half the speed while retaining all the soul (and bassline!) of the original.
About Playing From a Lead Sheet
A lead sheet is a simplified score with just the melody, lyrics and chord symbols. Learning to play from one can unlock your musicality! Here’s how.
Learning by Repetition: How Musicians Can Improve with Looping
Looping isn’t just for live performance! Discover how it can help with songwriting, ear training, and taking an honest look at your own music.
Before and After: Covering Coldplay
“The Voice” alumnus Caroline Perrell takes Coldplay’s alternative rock hit “Yellow” and re-imagines it as a beautiful, relaxed folk song.
Listen Close: "Mehu Moments" by K-X-P
I like to think of myself as an open-minded music fan with varied tastes to match. But if you were to open up my iTunes and scan through the genres, you’d find that my eccentricities, no matter how expansive I wished they were, actually don’t stretch all...
Before and After: Covering Tame Impala
Cover master Pieter Schrevens uses looping to turn himself into a one-man band, creating a rich, dreamlike cover of Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen”.
The Big Picture, with Dave Bainbridge
Iona’s Dave Bainbridge composes prog-rock albums on a grand scale. Learn how he creates large-scale masterpieces from the big picture down to the details.
Before and After: Covering Queen
Discover how the Art of Time Ensemble transformed Queen’s poignant hit “The Show Must Go On” from classic rock to a haunting, suspenseful classical piece.
Before and After: Covering Avicii
Discover how Simply Three transformed Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” from a summer dance hit into an equally energetic, beautifully-arranged string piece.
Before and After: Covering the Smiths
Learn about the power of arrangement through a comparison of The Smiths’ original “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” and the cover by Teeth & Tongue.
Join Musical U
Musical U membership provides you with dozens of training modules, tools for goal-setting and planning, and a friendly, supportive community who will help you succeed.
Start reaching your true musical potential:
Listen/Watch The Podcast:
Ear Training Apps
Download free ear training apps to help you improve your ear for music:
