
The Official Blog of Musicians Institute
IN THE KNOW
The Benefits of an Online Bachelor of Music Program for Busy Musicians
For aspiring musicians who are balancing packed schedules, the idea of attending a traditional, on-campus music program can feel overwhelming. Between gigs, rehearsals, part-time jobs, and family obligations, making the commitment to full-time study often seems out of...
From Beats to Basslines: How Rhythm Sections Shape a Song’s Feel
The rhythm section is the backbone of any musical piece, providing structure, groove, and energy to a song. This dynamic duo—drums and bass—works together to drive the music and set the stage for melodies and harmonies. The rhythm section’s feel and timing can...
Music Marketing 101 for Independent Artists
For independent artists, music marketing is one of the most essential tools to gain visibility, build a fanbase, and take control of your career. Without a major label’s resources, independent artists must wear many hats, one of the most important being that of a...
The Importance of Rhythm and Timing for Bassists: Tips from the Pros
Introduction As the backbone of any band, the bassist plays a crucial role in maintaining rhythm and timing. Without a strong sense of these elements, even the most skilled bassists can struggle to lock in with the rest of the band. In this post, we’ll explore why...
How to Choose the Right Music Bachelor’s Program for Your Career Goals
Choosing the right bachelor’s program is an essential step for any aspiring musician looking to break into the music industry. With numerous specialized paths available, it can be challenging to determine which program will best align with your career aspirations and...
The Importance of Visual Branding for Independent Artists in the Streaming Era
In today’s music industry, success is no longer solely dependent on the quality of your sound. The digital landscape, dominated by streaming platforms and social media, has turned music consumption into a more visually driven experience. For independent artists...
#TBT

#TBT: Jeff Porcaro of Toto
For this weeks #TBT post, we bright back this gem from the Musicians Institute vault, a special clinic from Jeff Porcaro, one of the most revered drummers in modern music. MI is lucky to have this footage, as his life was tragically cut short when he was only 38 years...

#TBT Michael Ruff Visits MI ( With Sheryl Crow as Back-up Singer)
A while back, we shared this pretty sweet find from the MI vault: a performance by Michael Ruff, with a very young Sheryl Crow singing backup! Ruff is a multiple Grammy Award nominated songwriter and producer, who has released many solo albums. He has written, toured...

#TBT Jaco Pastorius
Jaco Pastorius is widely considered one of the most influential bassists of all time, so to celebrate our first #TBT post, here are some Jaco performances that’ll inspire you to get you back into the practice room real quick! Opening for Joni Mitchell. Weather Report...
PROFILES
A Conversation With: Aaron Mercier of Mercier Guitars
Aaron Mercier is a guitarist for Kings Of Carnage, and a Musicians Institute alumnus who is keeping very busy in many areas of the music industry, both as a performer and a man behind the scenes. On a recent visit back to the MI campus, Aaron spoke to The Mix about...
Panelist Spotlight: Adam Blackstone
Musicians Institute is proud to bring some of the best working musicians onto our campus to inspire our students and give them insight into what a career in the music industry holds. With this new series on our blog, we will start to highlight upcoming clinicians or...
The Life And Career Of MI’s Own: Francis Buckley
Grammy Award®-winning record engineer Francis Buckley’s broad range of experience has seen him occupy the studio seat for breakout bands, established chart-toppers and Hollywood films. Buckley started out working at W.E. Studios in Redondo Beach in 1979. He then went...
GUEST ARTIST

Mateus Asato & Fredrik Halland Guitar Jam Session
Alumni Mateus Asato and Fredrik Halland come back to MI for a special jam session. Who do you think killed it? Let us know in the comments!