Amy Winehouse was a British singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her unique blend of soul, jazz, and R&B music. Born on … Remembering Amy Winehouse (Sept. 14, 1983 – July 23, 2011)

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England on December 3, 1948, rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the … Ozzy Osbourne: Diary of an Icon

When we think of symphonies, names like Joseph Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart often come to mind. Historic composers are celebrated for their … Who Has Composed the Most Symphonies in History?

The Blattnerphone, developed by Ludwig Blattner in the late 1920s, was an early magnetic recording device that used steel tape. The Blattnerphone was… The Blattnerphone: Pioneering Magnetic Sound Recording in the 1920s

In a recent post, I gave an overview of the “Blattnerphone,” an audio recording device used for recording live performances to be transmitted on … The Evolution of Audio Recording: 1920s to 1950s

This post started with a simple question in the Our Mind on Music Facebook group: how many guitar chords are there, really? Tony Thomas kicked things off with some eye‑opening numbers—millions of possible note combinations on a 22‑fret guitar, but only a few dozen chord shapes that actually get used in most songs. Here are some thoughts on the topic…

Portal Records celebrates specific pressings, catalog numbers, and musical details in a way that make me feel like I am getting a guided tour through a very particular corner of Japanese music history. Very cool, in my opinion!

Meshell Ndegeocello: Synonym - Meshell Ndegeocello returns with Synonym, a bold Blue Note release featuring an all-star cast and reimagined classics spanning six decades.

Cat Stevens was born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948. In anticipation of his 75th birthday this month, let’s take a look at his career and … The Many Lives of Cat Stevens

HenselPushers is on a mission to expand access to the music of Fanny Hensel—by sharing her original works, adapting them for learners, and … Introducing HenselPushers: Expanding the World of Fanny Hensel’s Music

Kahvas Jute were one of those bands that burned bright and fast, leaving behind a single album that still sounds massive more than 50 years later. Formed in Australia around 1970–71, they played a thick, blues‑charged brand of progressive rock built on long, dynamic songs, twin‑guitar interplay, and a live reputation that outstripped their tiny recorded output. From formation to Wide Open The classic Kahvas Jute lineup that recorded their only studio album, ”Wide Open” (released January 1972, though most of the material was cut in 1971), featured: Dennis Wilson – guitar, bottleneck, acoustic and wah‑wah guitar, lead vocals…

This week in the Our Mind on Music Facebook group, Wally Tubell Jr. picked “Downtown Train” as his “Friday Favorite” and mentioned it was written by Tom Waits. Inspired by that, I dug a little deeper into the story behind “Downtown Train”: how Waits wrote and released it, and why both Rod Stewart and Bob Seger ended up with their own versions (and a bit of a feud). If you’ve ever loved that song without knowing its origins, this short piece is for you.

Keep creating. The world may be listening differently today—but it will always need honest music. This is a reshare of a Facebook post: 


On July 10 1974, Rush signed with Mercury Records after the success of “Working Man.” A breakthrough moment! With their legacy still alive, I’ll be catching them live August 7 on the “50 Something” tour.

40 years ago today, in 1986, David Lee Roth released “Eat ’Em and Smile.” Van Halen’s first Hagar-era album was “OU812” (Oh, you ate one too.) Do you think Van Halen‘s OU812 title was a response to David Lee Roth’s Eat ‘Em and Smile?”

When Rush announced their “Fifty Something” reunion tour, fans knew the setlist would be packed with classic synth lines, swirling organ textures, and layered piano parts. What they didn’t expect was just how deepgoing the keyboard rig would be for touring keyboardist Loren Gold. After a wave of fan requests, Gold posted a full rig breakdown—and it’s a masterclass in building a modern, tour-ready keyboard station for a legacy rock act. Who is Loren Gold? Before diving into the gear, it’s worth noting who’s behind the keys. Loren Gold is a veteran session and touring keyboardist with credits that include…

I’m exploring a concert clip of Demis Roussos performing “In My Dreams” with London‑born pianist Tamzin Aronowitz. The arrangement is an adaptation of Beethoven’s *Pathétique* Sonata. The clip seems to be from a 1991 concert in Bratislava, but details about Aronowitz’s wider career and confirmation of the origins of this clip remain elusive. Any information you might be able to provide to help find out more about this clip and Tamzin Aronowitz would be very much appreciated. Share your insights in the comments, and let’s see what we can find out together.

“Too Much Love Will Kill You” is a song that was co-written by Queen guitarist Brian May, Queen’s then-producer David Richards, and Queen’s drummer … Too Much Love Will Kill You

Glass Tiger is a Canadian rock band formed in Newmarket, Ontario. The group began as Tokyo in 1981, changed their name to Glass Tiger in 1983, and … Glass Tiger: Canadian Pop-Rock Icons 🇨🇦🎵🇨🇦

After watching Questlove’s Summer of Soul, which spotlights the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (“Black Woodstock”), I was moved by the Staple Singers’ performance, especially Mavis Staples joining Mahalia Jackson in a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I was inspired to explore the Staple Singers’ history and Mavis Staples’ incredible career. Here’s what I’ve learned…

This week I was introduced to the music of Friko by a David Binder, a creative artist also living here in China. He shared their new song, “Seven Degrees” with me. I really enjoyed the sound, and decided to look further into who this band is, and what other music they have.

Happy Birthday to the Composer of “Happy Birthday…” A sweet little song written by a teacher for her students became one of the most recognizable and widely sung songs in the world.

The Guess Who is a name that resonates with classic rock enthusiasts, known for their catchy melodies and unforgettable hits. This Canadian band has a rich history that spans decades, marked by musical achievements, lineup changes, and even legal battles. As they prepare for a highly anticipated reunion tour in 2026, let’s take a comprehensive look at their journey from their earliest days to the present. Formation and Early Years (1965-1968) The Guess Who was formed in 1965 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, originally under the name "Chad Allan and the Expressions…

Scrolling through Instagram one lazy evening, I stumbled upon something that stopped me in my tracks. Amid the endless feed of polished reels and viral trends, a raw, intimate video of a cellist-vocalist caught my eye. Her name is Midori Jaeger. I instantly wanted to know more. What followed was a deep dive into her music, Here’s what I’ve learned… If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and listen to her latest single “planted” right here: planted · midori jaegerplanted℗ 2026 midori jaeger

A few days ago, my cousin shared a fascinating link on Facebook about unusual historical instruments. One that immediately caught my eye was the glass harmonica (also known as the glass armonica). I’d vaguely heard of it before—something about Benjamin Franklin and spooky glass sounds—but I had no idea how rich, complex, and downright strange its story really is. What started as casual curiosity turned into a deep dive into one of music history’s most captivating (and slightly cursed) tales. Here’s what I learned. Precursors: Music from Everyday Glasses…

My son is currently preparing fro his Grade 8 violin exam with the Royal Conservatory of Music. One of the pieces he is preparing is Josef Haydn's Violin Concerto No. 4 in G major (Hob. VIIa/4).. Anthony van Hoboken is remembered today mainly as the scholar behind the famous Haydn catalogue, but his importance reaches beyond Haydn alone. A Dutch musicologist and collector, Hoboken devoted much of his life to gathering early editions, theoretical writings, and manuscript reproductions from the music of Bach through Brahms. This collecting work gave scholars access to rare source material and reflected a deeply historical approach to musical research.

If you haven’t heard Sketches of Spain, start with “Will o’ the Wisp” and let it draw you in. Personally, I’m looking forward to participating as timpanist in the premiere performance of Aadi’s “Will o’ the Wisp” in SWIS’s end-of-year concert on June 11. For me, it’s all the joy of seeing music continue to grow and evolve with the connections between voices from the past and present…

Television theme songs have an incredible power — they hook us in seconds and stay with us for decades. Behind some of the most beloved shows are talented composers (and performers) whose work elevated storytelling into cultural icons.

Teresa Teng (鄧麗君), also known as Deng Lijun, had a way of singing about love and longing that felt so personal and sincere. For millions, she wasn’t just a singer; she was like a comforting, uniting presence across the Chinese-speaking world. She recorded over a thousand songs and became one of Asia’s first true pop superstars, blending Western pop feels with traditional Chinese heart.

Great screen music—whether for film or television—does more than accompany a story. It defines it.

On April 30, 1983, David Bowie’s album “Let’s Dance” made its debut at #41 on the US Billboard 200 Albums Chart. This marked the start of an album that would have a lasting impact. A New Approach for Bowie “Let’s Dance” was Bowie’s fifteenth studio album and featured musicians from Chic, along with the relatively unknown Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar. For the first time, Bowie focused solely on singing and didn’t play any instruments. Did you know there are COVER SONGS on the album? The album includes THREE cover songs:

Practical, future-focused, research-backed CPD for International School Music Teachers On April 26, 2026, at the ACAMIS Conference for the Arts hosted by Shen Wai International School in Shenzhen, China, I presented a 90-minute session titled “The BIG GIG in 90 Minutes: An Introduction to Hands-On Informal Music Learning for Every Classroom.” The session explored The BIG GIG experience; an immersive, playful approach to music education rooted in the principles of Musical Futures International (MFI) and Music Teachers in International Schools (MTIIS). The BIG GIG Experience: Teachers Becoming Students Again…

I recently stumbled upon a really interesting Facebook post that sparked my curiosity about a lesser-known folk group called The Easy Riders. You can find the post here. I decided to conduct some further research… Here’s what I’ve learned… A Brief History Guided by the talented Mitch Miller, who had them under contract with Columbia Records, The Easy Riders carved out a niche during what is often referred to as the ‘lost’ years of the folk revival. This period fell between the decline of the iconic…

Since his birthday anniversary on March 26, I’ve found myself thinking about one of the most unforgettable musicians from my younger days—Nash the Slash. I remember him as this mysterious, bandage-wrapped figure who seemed to step straight out of a surreal silent film into the world of progressive rock and new wave. He was a true Canadian icon, equal parts mad scientist and performance artist. National Music Centre (Calgary) A year or two ago, while I was in Calgary, I wandered through Studio Bell (home of the National Music Centre) and was completely floored to see one of his actual instruments on display.

The most famous bassline in pop history was never written down. Not a single note on paper. Louis “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson walked into the studio, heard the track, and played what he felt. That instinctive groove became the heartbeat of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” A Six-Year-Old Hears the Low End It all started in a Los Angeles shopping arcade around 1961. Six-year-old Louis Johnson stood still as a mariachi musician played the guitarron—a large, deep-bodied acoustic bass. The low notes vibrated through the floor and into his shoes. In that moment, he no longer wanted the guitar his brothers shared.

Hauntology in music feels like a major consideration today as sameness has become measurable, widely perceived, and constantly debated, even as a parallel wave of genuinely adventurous artists keeps trying to cut through the noise.

In the vast world of independent music, every now and then a project catches your ear and refuses to let go. For me, that happened recently through one of DJ JenCat’s wonderful weekly “Our Mind on Music - Friday Favorites” posts on Belter Radio. Among her curated picks, the atmospheric tracks of DiViNiUM stood out immediately — lush, emotional, and cinematic in the best possible way. I was inspired to look further into this duo and their music… Here’s what I’ve learned… Who Are DiViNiUM? DiViNiUM…

Progressive rock icons Yes have announced the postponement of their upcoming European leg of the Fragile tour to allow guitarist Steve Howe to recover from an essential operation. The news, earlier reported by Billboard, comes at a poignant time as fans around the world celebrate Howe’s immense contributions to music. Just yesterday, on April 8, Steve Howe celebrated his birthday—another year of honoring a career that has influenced so many of us with virtuosic guitar playing and innovative songwriting. Fans of his extraordinary body of work, from intricate acoustic passages to soaring electric solos, are now eagerly awaiting positive updates on his full recovery.

Daniel Levitin’s classic “This Is Your Brain on Music” inspired the name of the Our Mind in Music podcast, blog, and our social media music communities. Now, his latest book, “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” provides a fantastic exploration of music as more than “just entertainment.” He discusses music as a powerful biological intervention that heals body and mind. If you love music and want to understand its healing power, check out the full post, and then grab the book. Highly recommended!

A recent post by indie country rock artist, Michael Wayne Dill, in the Our Mind on Music FACEBOOK group, prompted a lively discussion which inspired me to put together this commentary on the current structure of indie music in 2026… Why do the platforms make it so hard for artists in every way? I’d love to know what YOU think! Please do comment on what resonates with YOU! Online platforms… “To Serve Man? Are WE using the platforms, or are THEY using US? If you’re an independent musician, you’ve likely felt it… online platforms seem to be working AGAINST us at every turn!

In the golden age of jazz-rock fusion, few albums captured raw electricity, technical brilliance, and soulful depth quite like Jeff Beck’s Wired. Released as the follow-up to his groundbreaking 1975 instrumental masterpiece Blow by Blow, Wired amps up the energy with heavier grooves, synthesizer firepower, and Beck’s signature otherworldly guitar tone. Produced primarily by George Martin (with additional production from Chris Bond and Jan Hammer), the album was recorded at AIR and Trident Studios in London, plus Cherokee Studios in Hollywood. Clocking in at just under 37 minutes, it’s a tight, explosive statement that blends funk, jazz sophistication, and rock muscle into something timeless.

Led Zeppelin released the album Houses of the Holy (March 28, 1973 in the United States - March 30 in the UK)).

Sometimes I find the coolest things on YouTube! This is a GREAT example of that… “Progress Satellite — seventy minutes, no mercy” is a full-length ambient/electronic album by Alexander Obukhov (Obukhovaudio), released around late 2025.

If you’ve ever listened to a Mozart piano sonata, a Beethoven symphony, or a Haydn string quartet and felt like you were on a thrilling musical adventure—complete with conflict, drama, and a triumphant homecoming—you’ve experienced sonata form (also called sonata-allegro form) in action. This three-part structure was the go-to “dramatic blueprint” for first movements of sonatas, symphonies, quartets, and concertos from roughly 1750–1820 and beyond. It’s not a rigid recipe but a flexible tonal journey that creates tension and resolution. Here’s the big-picture roadmap: The Three Main Acts + Optional Extras…

The connections between Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven represent a lineage of influence, transformation, revival, and enduring legacy that continues to shape how we understand music today. Bach: The Foundation Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) stands as the pinnacle of the Baroque era, a master of counterpoint, harmony, and structural depth. His works—like The Well-Tempered Clavier, the Brandenburg Concertos, the St. Matthew Passion, and The Art of Fugue—demonstrate an almost mathematical precision fused with profound emotional and spiritual expression.

I’ve been a music teacher for over 20 years, guiding students through scales, phrasing, ensemble playing, and the pure joy of making music …with their own hands. When I saw cellist, Tina Guo’s, recent Facebook post, it really caught my attention. In my opinion, she nailed it.

Dr. Freeze (Elliot Straite) is a key new jack swing songwriter and producer famous for hits with Bell Biv DeVoe, Color Me Badd, and his collaborations with Michael Jackson.

The pentatonic scale is everywhere, but it shines brightest when you see how cultures and forms give it meaning. Next time you hear a catchy tune, think: What’s the big picture here? You might unlock your own musical magic!

Exploring the incentives behind demonetization, Content ID claims, and the preference for big rights holders.

Welcome to the Series: One of These Songs Doesn’t Belong 🚐🎶🚐 Inspired by the classic Sesame Street segment “One of These Things (Just Doesn’t Belong Here),” this music trivia game challenges you to spot the song that doesn’t fit with the other three in each “Van.” Each installment features one Van with four songs/artists and a clue to guide you.