Here are practical tips for band directors, music directors, vocal teachers, and high school music programs to enhance their pit orchestra performances during the fall and spring musical seasons. These tips apply to educational institutions at all levels, from middle school and high school to collegiate and higher education.

As a composer, protecting your music and getting paid for it should be a top priority. Registering with organizations like PROs (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC), the Harry Fox Agency, and SoundExchange is essential to making sure your rights are covered and your royalties are collected. PROs handle public performance royalties (think radio, TV, or live gigs), HFA deals with royalties from sales and streams, and SoundExchange collects for digital plays like internet radio. Plus, having an ISWC for each piece helps track your music globally. Start early, keep all your identifiers organized in a simple spreadsheet, and make sure your catalog is covered—it’s a straightforward way to protect your work and make sure you’re paid for it.

A music director does so much more than just teach the cast their songs. They’re the backbone of the entire musical experience, making sure everything—from the vocal arrangements to the orchestra—works in harmony with the story being told on stage. Whether they’re working closely with the director to match the mood of the music to the show’s tone, or fine-tuning a singer’s phrasing during rehearsal, the MD’s job is all about making the music come alive. And even after opening night, they’re still involved, keeping an ear on performances to ensure the music stays fresh and true to the original vision. It’s a demanding role, but seeing everything click on stage makes it all worth it.

Ever wondered what makes a musical sound like a musical? In my latest blog post, I break down some of the key musical techniques that are commonly used in theater, such as the minor iv chord and shifts into double time. Whether you're a composer, a theater fan, or just curious about what sets this genre apart, this post takes a straightforward look at the elements that give Broadway its distinctive sound. It’s about understanding how these techniques come together to create the music we instantly recognize as musical theater, without all the extra flair.

Enhance your skills as a music director in musical theatre with these 10 essential tips! From mastering vamps and managing mixed meters to perfecting dramatic timing and pit arrangement, this guide provides practical insights to help you lead your ensemble with precision and confidence. Learn how to teach your ensemble cut-offs, handle tempo changes, and optimize your keyboard programming for a seamless and compelling performance. Dive in to discover how to elevate your next production and ensure every note resonates with your audience.

If you are a musical director, recording artist, or performer who regularly uses click tracks, then knowing how to create one is an important skill to have. Today I will teach you how to do just that in Logic Pro X. There are multiple ways to create a click track in Logic Pro X, so I'll walk you through one method.

Do you have a script, score, and some recordings but aren't sure where to turn next with your musical or play? Then keep reading! Over the past several years, a community of producers, theatre enthusiasts, investors, and dedicated thespians has been working together to assist emerging writers in refining, sharing, and staging their shows. I've put together a list of 5 exceptional organizations in 2024 that are truly making a difference for theatre creators.