What in the World is a Saraswati Veena?

The Saraswati veena is a plucked, stringed musical instrument from India whose origins date back to around 1700 BCE. This veena (also spelled vina), a member of the lute family, as are the chitra, vichitra, and rudra veenas. Dr. Tara Rajendran is a classically trained veena player (as well as a medical doctor – please […]

A “Physician-Musician” Thrives at the Intersection of Medicine & Music

When she was only four years old, Dr. Tara Rajendran watched as her grandmother suffered from and eventually succumbed to leukemia. While certainly sad at this loss, she was taken, even at such a tender age, by how her grandmother seemed to feel less anxiety and pain whenever Carnatic music, the classical music of her […]

Virtuoso Pianist/Technician Says Monitoring Humidity Will Help You Stay in Tune

James Carney is an award-winning improvisational pianist and composer who has recorded for some of the leading “record” labels and has performed with several of today’s top jazz musicians. He is also a highly sought-after piano technician who restores and sells older instruments from his workshop in Brooklyn, NY. He is, indeed, a “rare bird” […]

Versatile Musician/Repair Tech Offers Maintenance Tips for Woodwind & Brass Players

A serious, dedicated musician often possesses a passion for music which a non-musician may not fully comprehend. Indeed, this enthusiasm can continue to drive said musician, even though he or she may be forced to turn to non-musical endeavors simply to earn a living. The rare musician who can live a fully musical life, at […]

Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

Alto Key, an independent London-based artist who makes indie/alt-pop music, is a musician whose work has the power to uplift your spirits, punch you in the gut, and squeeze a tear from your heart. He is also delightfully and hilariously funny on his various social media channels, and boasts over 6.7 million likes and 375,000 […]

A Bit About Bagpipes with J. Avery Head

Avery became involved with the local Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band.  He was elected Pipe Major (director) within 6 weeks and has been directing the band ever since (1974).  The band was initially a Grade 3 pipe band, but has since become a Grade 4 or 5 band, depending on the playing personnel each year thanks to Head’s influence.  Since then he’s taught a number of players over the years, and some of them have developed into very noteworthy players and performers.  Further, Avery has competed in numerous solo competitions over the years, and has earned a number of medals. 

Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

As an enterprising force in the world of indigenous and exotic instruments, Sandra further engages in collaborations with a many musicians working with diverse genres of music. Sandra goes on to create and personally facilitate musical study trips to different countries — leading people into the heart of individual folk cultures through the music and dance of each country. She strives to nurture a deep love of music and the arts in both children and adults.