We are celebrating the release of this: the Musicality book! Woohoo! This book has been in the works for two years or 15 years, depending on how you measure it, and it's so exciting that it's out. But it's taken me a while to do this episode because, as I'm going to unpack today, it's been a difficult process. So the book is out. Sort of, mostly. And it kills me that it's not just a clear-cut “It's out! We're done! Hooray!” In this episode, I want to share a bit about why it's still slightly fuz...
Oct 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 317
Join Christopher and the Next Level coaching team to discover the latest tips, tricks and techniques you can use to advance in your own musical life. In this episode: - Camilo explains the benefits of having a musical accountability partner - Andy gives tips on becoming more aware of what helps you to keep winning in music - Andrew shares insights on musical goals, dreams, identity, and the relationship between each of those. All that and more, in this week's episode of Coaches Corner! TIP: Look...
Jul 25, 2024•18 min•Ep. 316
If your musical motivation has been waning lately... this episode is for you. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/315 Links and Resources: • Musicality Now: What's Your "North Star" In Music? (Big Picture Vision) • Musicality Now: What Is Musicality? • Musicality Now: What Is Musicality, Revisited (answers from MU members) • Musicality Now: What Is Musicality (playlist of expert answers) • The...
Jul 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 315
What makes a great song great? If you've ever wondered how songs are put together, and how much it's careful, intentional craft vs. mysterious divine inspiration, you're going to love today's episode... In this section of Benny Romalis' (HowToWriteSongs.org) masterclass at Musical U, he explains how to "think like a car mechanic" in your songwriting or listening, and breaks down each section of a song and the musical job each one does. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | St...
Jul 20, 2024•16 min•Ep. 314
How does Elton John write such incredible chord progressions? What is it that made Lennon and McCartney songs so distinctive, so that they became the songwriting legends they're now known for being? And what does Sting and Radiohead do differently in their songwriting that you can learn from? These are just a few of the fascinating topics covered by Benny Romalis and Keppy Coutts on the popular YouTube channel "How To Write Songs". And today I'm joined by Benny for a mini interview that I think ...
Jul 18, 2024•22 min•Ep. 313
Join Christopher for an official unveiling of the cover design for the new Musicality book, as well as some exciting hints of things to come! Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/312 Links and Resources: • The Musicality Book - Register Now ! • Musicality Now: The Goal (Inside The Book) • Inside The Book Episodes Enjoying the show? Please consider rating and reviewing it! Click here to rate and...
Jul 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 312
Did you know, there's one scale which is even more important and powerful than the major scale? And the best part is, it's not a more complex or advanced one - it's actually simpler! Join Christopher and the Next Level coaching team to discover the latest tips, tricks and techniques you can use to advance in your own musical life. In this episode: - Zac explains how and why to take back your musical authority from the sheet music - Andy shares the experience of "Pentatonic joy"! - And Camilo rev...
Jul 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 311
Did you know there's a musical skill which EVERYONE can already do... and yet only a tiny fraction of musicians are actually intentionally using daily - even though it's a MASSIVE booster for your musicality and all your music learning? In this "Inside The Book" episode we'll peek into the chapter on Audiation: the ability to vividly imagine and hear music in your mind. We'll explore what it is, how it works, and the many benefits it brings throughout your musical life. Subscribe For Future Epis...
Jul 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 310
What DRIVES you in music? Have you sometimes lost sight of what inspired you to play in the first place? And when you play music, does it feel like the music is out there somewhere… or does it feel like it's inside you? Join Christopher and David Reed from Improvise for Real for part 4 of a fascinating conversation where they delve into musical motivation and your innate connection to the music that inspires you to play. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | ...
Jul 09, 2024•15 min•Ep. 309
Lip-syncing is normally seen as something "less than" singing - but what if it could actually be the gateway to better, more confident, more versatile, and more natural singing for you? This is one powerful technique which Body Based Voice expert Jeremy Ryan Mossman shared in his Musical U masterclass. Today I'm sharing a short excerpt from it with you, where he runs you through a couple of unusual singing exercises which can help you tap into your body's deep wisdom on how to produce the sounds...
Jul 06, 2024•18 min•Ep. 307
In this mini interview with Body-Based Voice expert Jeremy Ryan Mossman, you'll discover how the study of Feldenkrais, biomechanics and biotensegrity - as well as a breakthrough in a bus shelter - all led to a holistic approach to singing now used by pro singers and Broadway stars. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/307 Links and Resources: • BodyBasedVoice.com Enjoying the show? Please consi...
Jul 04, 2024•17 min•Ep. 307
Did you know, you already have 90% of what it takes to become a creative, confident improviser? That might sound unlikely, especially if improvisation feels way out of reach right now. But you might be surprised... What if there was just one missing piece which stood between you and free, creative, instinctive music-making? And what if that missing piece was ALREADY inside you, just waiting to be brought out? Join Christopher and David Reed from Improvise for Real for part three of a fascinating...
Jul 02, 2024•17 min•Ep. 306
Join Christopher and the Next Level coaching team to discover the latest tips, tricks and techniques you can use to advance in your own musical life. In this episode: - Camilo shares a major breakthrough on saxophone - through a small tweak to singing. - Andy talks about the idea that "every problem is a gift" and reveals the two ingredients you need to actually make that shift. - Zac shares how to transform the sometimes-scary metronome into your best buddy. - And Andrew discusses connecting wi...
Jun 29, 2024•15 min•Ep. 305
The tagline for the forthcoming Musicality book is: "How You Too Can Learn Music Like A Gifted Prodigy, Unlock Your Instinct For Music, And Unleash Your Inner Natural". What exactly does that mean? And is it really possible? Find out in this episode of "Inside The Book"! Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/304 Links and Resources • Musicality Now: Inside The Book episodes • MusicalityBook.com ...
Jun 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 304
Have you ever slogged away at an ear training exercise day after day and found your improvement lessening and lessening, progress just getting slower and slower? It's not unusual. And it can be maddening when you're trying to ace a quiz or you're trying to make your skills rock solid, but you just can't seem to hit that 100% mark. Today, I want to share with you a simple rule that is a highly effective antidote to this common frustration. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android |...
Jun 27, 2024•14 min•Ep. 303
In this clip from Alex Ostapenko's Musical U masterclass, he'll walk you through the basics of the Indian rhythmic language of konnakol, and how you can start experimenting and being creative with it! Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/302 Links and Resources • Musicality Now: Learning The Language Of Rhythm (with Alex Ostapenko) • Alex's YouTube channel • Alex's rhythm courses Enjoying the s...
Jun 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 302
In this mini-interview with konnakol and body percussion expert Alex Ostapenko, you'll discover his views on musicality, his own rhythmic awakening, and how both konnakol and body percussion can be valuable additions to any musician's toolkit! Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/301 Links and Resources • Alex's YouTube channel • Alex's rhythm courses Enjoying the show? Please consider rating a...
Jun 25, 2024•13 min•Ep. 301
Join Christopher and David Reed from Improvise for Real for part two of a fascinating conversation where they unpack what's going on when we learn to improvise - and when we actually do it. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/300 Links and Resources • Musicality Now: Be Yourself And Discover Your Own Music (with David Reed, Improvise For Real) • Improvise For Real • IFR on Instagram • IFR on F...
Jun 24, 2024•15 min•Ep. 300
Join Christopher and the Next Level coaching team to discover the latest tips, tricks and techniques you can use to advance in your own musical life. In this episode: - Andrew shares an illustration of the power of musicality to fix even seemingly-unrelated problems with technique - Zac gives a beautiful example of how active listening can dramatically simplify your learning tasks in music - Andy explains how to get out of the "I should" and "I'll never" head trash and focus on what's really tru...
Jun 22, 2024•15 min•Ep. 299
Join Christopher and David Reed from Improvise For Real for part one of a fascinating conversation where they go deep on musicality, creativity, and what it means to be a musician. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/298 Links and Resources • Improvise For Real • IFR on Instagram • IFR on Facebook Enjoying the show? Please consider rating and reviewing it! Click here to rate and review...
Jun 21, 2024•15 min•Ep. 298
Do you sometimes feel a bit baffled, overwhelmed by harmony and chord progressions in music? Today I want to share with you two big epiphanies I had over the years which DRAMATICALLY simplified things for me and unlocked playing chords by ear faster than had ever seemed possible. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/297 Links and Resources • Musicality Now: Classical vs. Rock/Pop vs. Jazz Harmo...
Jun 20, 2024•15 min•Ep. 297
What's the difference between Classical music, Rock and Pop, and Jazz? Well, that's probably a question with an endless answer! But one of the most significant differences is in the harmony: what chords are used, and how do the progressions work. In this clip from Tony Parlapiano's Musical U masterclass, he explains and demonstrates each, in a simple and memorable way. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musica...
Jun 19, 2024•10 min•Ep. 296
One of our favourite things to see at Musical U is a member exclaiming "Why did nobody ever tell me this?!" Because we're all about simplifying the complex, and filling in the pieces that can otherwise be totally missing from music learning. Today I want to introduce you to someone else who thrives on simplifying powerful musical ideas, to deliver those kinds of "aha" moments for passionate music-learners: Tony Parlapiano of popMATICS. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | St...
Jun 18, 2024•16 min•Ep. 295
Have you ever wished you had "perfect pitch"? To hear a note, and just name it instantly - it can seem like the "Holy Grail" of musicality. But... is it really? And if you weren't born with it, is it even possible to learn it yourself? We'll be diving into those questions and more, in this episode. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/294 Links and Resources • The Musicality Book • Book: The Ev...
Jun 17, 2024•18 min•Ep. 294
We need your help! We're down to four finalist designs for the cover of the new musicality book, and need YOUR help to pick the best one! Go to musicalitybook.com/vote to vote now! Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/293 Links and Resources • The Musicality Book • VOTE NOW! • Musicality Now: I Am Not Your Guru Enjoying the show? Please consider rating and reviewing it! Click here to rate and r...
Jun 15, 2024•7 min•Ep. 293
In this interview you'll meet Almut Spaeth from the Musical U Team, and find out a bit about her own musical journey, through Musical U and Next Level, into becoming a member of the MU team herself! Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/292 Links and Resources • Almut's Website • Foundations of a Musical Mind • Musical U Membership • Next Level Coaching Enjoying the show? Please consider rating ...
Jun 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 292
Join Christopher and the Next Level coaching team to discover the latest tips, tricks and techniques you can use to advance in your own musical life. In this episode... - Andy shares an inspiring example about a client finding ways to "lower the bar" so she could step-by-step her way up to a big performance that was otherwise intimidating. - Camilo explains how taking a more ear-based approach to learning new pieces fast makes for a more resilient performance. - Andrew shares how he used ideas f...
Jun 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 291
Did you know there are four different types of fear responses for musicians - and you probably mostly use one of them? Even more interesting - the antidote to each is different. In today's episode I'm sharing a clip from Sarah Niblack's masterclass at Musical U, where she reveals these four types of fear response - which can help you quickly learn to more effectively handle it when it arises. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and T...
Jun 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 290
How can you feel safe, confident and joyful when you perform music? Especially if you're pushing yourself to your limits? Sarah Niblack of SPARK Practice is one of the leading innovators in helping musicians to practice better - so they can perform better. In today's mini-interview you'll get to meet Sarah and hear about her unique perspective on musicality, practice, performing and more. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Trans...
Jun 11, 2024•14 min•Ep. 288
Ever worried that all your carefully-practiced music will fall apart when it comes time to perform? In this episode Christopher shares 5 high-impact tips for rock-solid performances. Subscribe For Future Episodes! Apple Podcasts | Android | Stitcher | RSS | YouTube Full Show Notes and Transcript: http://musicalitynow.com/288 Links and Resources • Musicality Now: Becoming A Bulletproof Musician, with Noa Kageyama • Gregg Goodhart, "The Learning Coach" • The Modacity Practice App • Musicality Now:...
Jun 10, 2024•18 min•Ep. 288
