If we can learn anything from Sir Elton John, it’s that even if you’re born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, it’s perfectly okay to rechristen yourself Elton Hercules John and embark from your humble beginnings on a multi-faceted career of musical fabulousness. The man Entertainment Weekly describes …

Founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. in Detroit in the late 1950s, the Motown record label and its affiliates cranked out 110 Top 10 hits between 1961 and 1971, featuring artists like The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, The Miracles and The …

The 80s might seem like ancient history to our students (and probably even to some of your parents), but it’s history worth studying: Buried under the poppy synthesizers and big hair that define the decade in stereotypes, we’ll find some innovative and influential music from …

Known as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll,” Sun Studio in Memphis rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s with stars like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, who fused country music and R&B into a new sound. Sam Phillips named his record company …

Spencer Barnett on finding musical community and never stopping learning What are you doing now, and how is music a part of your life?  I am currently wrapping up my first LP which has been in the making for nearly a year. As I release …

Do you have some time this summer to dive deep into music lessons? Sharpen your skills and save when you book multiple sessions per week for the same student: 2 or more lessons/week = save 10%3 or more lessons/week = save 20% Offer valid Monday-Friday …

Known for her narrative, often confessional songwriting and genre-spanning style, Taylor Swift released her debut album a few months before her 17th birthday. Inspired by country musicians like Shania Twain and previous-Bird-featured-artist Dolly Parton, Swift started out writing songs about “what happened in school that …

Curran Amster reflects on pandemic songwriting, growing older and not over-thinking things. What are you doing now, and how is music a part of your life?  I have been working on releasing my first EP, and I am super excited to get to put some …

Former Bird student and camp counselor Walker Calhoun talks about how he still uses the lessons he learned at Bird, from tackling nerves to respecting coworkers. What are you doing now, and how is music a part of your life?  I’m an outdoor studies teacher …

Drop D tuning gives your guitar a lower sound and makes it fun to experiment with one- and two-fingered chords. It’s great when used creatively around the fretboard. Lane walks you through it in this quick video.