Like every producer out there, I know how easy it is to get stuck in the weeds looking for that 'perfect' synth patch that's going to add fairy dust to your track, or somehow achieve that impossible sweet-spot between sounding totally 80s and completely modern at the same time. I know, you only came here… Continue reading Quick production tip: Organise your synth patches first
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Compositions and Arrangements have moved to: OlivePress Music!
For a little while I have been tending, pruning and steadily growing five collections of publications for educators and entertainers alike. These come from years of my own work, having been tested out on the stage and in the classroom. Well, these pieces finally have their own home: OlivePressMusic.com! This is where you can now… Continue reading Compositions and Arrangements have moved to: OlivePress Music!
Stephen Stills’ ‘Love The One You’re With’ comes to 4-part choir
This much-loved classic from the 70s has its fans, but very few arrangements exist out there for choir – a big gap given the strong group vocals on the original record. The song is lively, positive, energetic – great for choirs, which is why I was asked to arrange it for our school’s choir as… Continue reading Stephen Stills’ ‘Love The One You’re With’ comes to 4-part choir
Cover bands: No more scribbling out horn parts and charts!
https://youtu.be/2ars4zkfZac As a leader of a function band, I know how easy it is to get lost in conflicting charts and parts when you’re trying to put together a gig. You cobble together your leftovers from previous engagements – sometimes handwritten parts, sometimes someone else’s – and who knows if they match up to what… Continue reading Cover bands: No more scribbling out horn parts and charts!
Play Jazz Piano with Ben!
I want to play jazz – but where to start? Over the years of teaching piano I've often been asked to help a student learn 'how to play jazz'. This often seems like a reasonable request but can be hard to execute – depending on the students' proficiency in reading music, or understanding music theory,… Continue reading Play Jazz Piano with Ben!