Taylor Sappe

BMI affiliated published songwriter since 1979
Private Music Instructor at DeMelfi School of Music and "in-your-home" instruction

Photo by Ken Gallagher

Educational Articles

The following is a list of educational articles to help novice musicians get better recordings and live performances. These articles cover the secrets to professional sounding recordings and performances that are not taught by most music instructors.

This list will continue to grow with time, so be sure to check back here often for new articles.

Freebies

1. Playing with Feel. An introduction to dynamics for professional sounding recordings and live performances.
2. Playing with Feeling. Further development of dynamics, tempo changes and emotions, for proper expression of music.
3. Microphones. A detailed description of the different types of microphones used in recording and live performances and which ones work best for different types of applications.
4. Equalizers. A technical description of the various types of equalizers used in the studio and sound reinforcement and their best suited applications.
5. Audio spectrum analyzer. A visual monitor for using equalizers.
6. Compressor/limiter. Another tool used to create that professional recorded sound.
7. Normalizing. One of many processes performed during CD mastering.
8. Vocal Tips to help you sing better.
9. Improve your timing on acoustic guitar. Guitar is a percussion instrument and should be thought of as a portable drum set with many more drums than a normal set. Just as a drummer must have solid timing to keep the band in time, so must a good guitarist. Especially an acoustic guitar soloist who doesn't have other instruments to keep him/her in time. This article explains in detail, what causes and prevents good timing with an acoustic guitar, and how to remove the obstacle that prevents you from playing in accurate time.
10. Practice tips for musicians. A guide to getting the most out of your practice sessions, from beginner to advanced.
11. Guitar players: Get a grip. Learn about the problems from gripping the neck too tightly, and some of the remedies for those problems.
12. 10 steps to building a song. A step by step guide for writing songs. Takes you through the process one step at a time until a complete song is written. Requires a basic knowledge of music theory.
13. Stages of songwriting. Explains the different stages at which songs are developed.
14. Best method for recording acoustic guitar and voice. A step by step procedure for getting the best possible recording out of acoustic electric guitar and voice.

Paid

The following lessons are detailed extensions of some of the free lessons listed above. Each lesson will cost $2. The lesson will be available when a "buy now" button appears next to it.

1. Mastering the art of feel part 1.
2. Mastering the art of feel part 2.
3. Dynamic development exercises part 1.
4. Dynamic development exercises part 2.
5. Controlling feedback
6. Mixing
7. Compression/expansion techniques
8. Exercises for improving the voice part 1.
9. Exercises for improving the voice part 2.

For complete private instruction, send me an email for pricing and scheduling.