Singer-Songwriters and Musical Open Mics is an ethnographic exploration of New York City’s live music events where musicians signup and perform short sets. This sociological study dispels the common assumption that open mics are culturally monolithic and reserved for novice musicians. Open mics allow musicians at different locations within their musical development and career to interactively perform, practice, and network with other musicians. Important themes in the book include: the tension between self and society in the creative process, issues of creative authenticity and authorship, and on-going cultural changes central to the Do-It-Yourself cultural zeitgeist of the early 21st century. The open mic’s cultural antecedents include a radio format, folk hootenannies, and the jazz jam session. Drawing from multiple qualitative methods, Aldredge describes how open mics have etched a vital organizational place in the western and urban musical landscape. Open mics represent a creative place where the boundaries of practicing and performing seemingly blur. This allows for a range of social settings from more competitive, stratified, and homogenous music scenes to culturally diverse weekly events often stretching late into the night.

The third edition of Song Sheets to Software: A Guide to Print Music, Software, Instructional Media, and Web Sites for Musicians includes completely revised and updated listings of music software, instructional media, and web sites of use to all musicians, whether hobbyist or professional. New to the third edition is a CD-ROM with sections including Live Links, an expanded and easily searchable Tech Talk, and sample print music scores. Also new to the third edition are sections on digital sheet music and video game music, as well as an updated bibliography.

Presents a step-by-step guide to the songwriting process with information on music theory, developing a hook, writing lyrics, song structure, arranging and recording songs, and promoting music on the Internet.

Consult this ongoing reference series for biographical information on more than 4,500 important figures in today's musical arena. Covering all genres of modern music, Contemporary Musicians profiles artists involved in rock, jazz, pop, rap, rhythm and blues, folk, New Age, country, gospel and reggae.

From record companies and music publishers to record producers and booking agents, this handbook tells song writers who to contact, where they are, what they're looking for, and what to expect.

"The Independent Working Musician" gives you all of the information you'll need to forge your own successful path in the music industry. From publishing to copyright law to financing your band to harmonious collaboration, this book shows you how to tackle the business side of your music on your own terms. Also includes chapters on how to promote your music and book tours the right way.

From Rolling Stone comes the definitive guide to college that tells the iPod generation where to go if they want to learn about music -- or just listen to it As 85 million, music-worshipping "echo boomers" head for college over the next decade, nothing will be more essential than Schools That Rock: The Rolling Stone College Guide. Here, college-bound kids will find information on which towns and campuses offer top-notch venues, record stores, radio stations, and music festivals. In addition, entries will refer readers to schools that offer courses or degrees in music and the music business. They will learn about Syracuse University's new class on the lyrics of Lil Kim, Middle Tennessee State University's recording business department, and Case Western Reserve's audio engineering concentration. Smart, humorous, and highly informative, Schools That Rock is the must-have college guide for the portable-audio generation.

Don't sign a recording contract before reading this book! The Musician's Legal Companion, Second Edition gets to the core of the legal issues you need to know about, in clear, straightforward language. Here you'll find easy-to-comprehend explanations of the four main contracts used in the music business: recording artist, songwriter, artist management, and performance. You'll also discover how to make the relationship with your current or future attorney more fruitful and cost-effective. This new edition includes expanded coverage of topics such as the use of independent producers, 360° agreements, distribution and marketing agreements, how radio and other media fit into an artist's career, film and television agreements, digital distribution, name and likeness agreements, merchandising agreements, and much, much more. With more than 25 years in the music business as a lawyer, educator, and writer, interacting with many musicians both personally and professionally, Michael A. Aczon shares the many lessons he's learned and takes you on a journey to a better legal understanding of the entertainment industry and your music career.