Learn to Speak Music ─ A Guide to Creating, Performing, and Promoting Your Songs

For something so familiar, music can be a giant mystery, to the point where musicians seem more like magicians than everyday people. In fact, anyone can make and share music. Computers come with recording programs, and anyone can post their own music to websites like MySpace and YouTube. All that's needed is a little know-how. Learn to Speak Music helps young readers learn this universal language by revealing every nook and cranny of how it's made. Rather than just a guide to instruments and theory, it explores every aspect of the pop music world, from songwriting and artwork to promotion and setting up a practice space. Author John Crossingham, a veteran of the indie rock scene, brings in the expert opinions of other musicians to give insider's advice on choosing and buying an instrument, finding the right bandmates, setting up gigs, overcoming stage fright, emulating high-priced studio techniques at home, and much more. Also featured is a guide to shooting a music video from MTVA-nominated director Christopher Mills.