KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Workshops A workshop is a usually brief intensive educational program for a relatively small group of people that focuses especially on technique and skills in a particular field . The focus is on participation – learning by doing rather than just watching and listening . Areas of focus include performance , software , recording , and live sound .
Trade shows like The NAMM Show offer rich educational programming
Trade Shows Trade shows offer exposure to a wide variety of products and services . In addition to exhibits on products or services , many present seminars , workshops , clinics , and demonstrations . Subject areas are musical instruments , recording , broadcast , live sound , and lighting . To find trade shows worldwide , visit www . nor . com / events .
Conferences A conference is a formal meeting in which many people gather in order to talk about ideas or problems related to a particular topic , usually for several days . Most are focused on the music business , but they also include speakers and panelists on technology , songwriting , recording , video production , business development , and artist showcases . There are national events and also conferences in each province presented by the provincial music industry associations . To find conferences worldwide , visit www . nor . com / events .
Online Courses Online courses focus on business , technique , recording , software , arranging , game design , theory and harmony , music publishing , and technology . They are presented by colleges and universities , career colleges , and conservatories . Be aware that content , production quality , and costs vary drastically . Online courses can be accessed through a web browser or mobile device and can be used anywhere and at any time . Have a look at www . lynda . com , which offers hundreds of courses in technique , recording , live sound , software , business , and technology . The cost is reasonable and the site offers a free trial .
Webinars A webinar is a seminar or other presentation that takes place on the internet , allowing participants in different locations to see and hear the presenter , ask questions , and take advantage of exclusive resources . They cover music business , recording , and technology . For a list of future and past music industry webinars , go to www . nwcwebinars . com .
Blogs A blog ( weblog ) is a regularly updated website or web page , typically one run by an individual or small group , which is written in an informal or conversational style . Subjects include technique , recording , business , or industry news . Check out the reputation of the blogger before you believe or act upon the information that is presented . For an extensive list of blogs , visit www . ontoplist . com .
Podcasts A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading or streaming via a computer or portable media player , typically available as a series , new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically . Check out www . podcastchart . com , iTunes at www . itunes . com , Google Play at play . google . com , TuneIn Radio at www . tunein . com , or Blog Talk Radio at www . blogtalkradio . com . Specifically , check out new and archived episodes of Canadian Musician Radio at www . canadianmusicianradio . com .
Consultants A consultant is an experienced professional who provides expert knowledge for a fee . He or she works in an advisory capacity only and is usually not accountable for the outcome of a consulting exercise . A consultant can be hired by an artist or a company to lend advice to improve the chances of success .
Coaches A coach is a person who teaches a special skill , especially one connected with performing , such as singing or acting . Coaches can operate on a one-to-one basis or in a group coaching situation . A coach is usually involved more in hands-on training rather than just lending advice and closely follows the progress of the client . A great example is a vocal coach who instructs singers on how to improve their singing technique , take care of and develop their voice , and prepare for live performances .
Online training sites like Drumeo are great resources for independent study .
Websites If you search Google for any subject of interest , you will get millions of results . There are thousands of music-related websites on a wide variety of topics . Be very aware of who operates the website and the credibility of the information it contains . A lot of great Canadian resources are available through the National Music Centre , www . nmc . ca .
Newsletters A newsletter is a regularly distributed publication that is generally about one main topic of interest to its subscribers . They are available in print and e-mail versions and can be paid or free . Before you subscribe , make sure that the newsletter contains useful information and is not just a marketing piece disguised as a newsletter . Remember that free newsletters can eat up a lot of your valuable time and inbox space .
Books Books contain information on technique , songwriting , recording , live sound , music history , biographies ,
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