Blog

Today, many young musicians start their journey alone in front of a screen. YouTube, TikTok, and online tutorials provide access to nearly everything – but it’s a journey without a compass. Because while technique can be learned online, experience, feedback, and musical friendships can’t be downloaded.

Technology has always played a role in shaping music. From the invention of the electric guitar to multitrack recording and the rise of synthesizers, innovation has expanded the possibilities of sound. But today, we’re facing a new kind of shift – and some musicians are asking: Are we still the ones in control?

In the music world – and society at large – musicians are often judged by whether they can make a living from their craft. As if passion, practice, community, and joy don’t count unless they result in a paycheck. But what about the thousands of musicians who write, rehearse, and perform while juggling jobs, families, and daily life?It’s time to reflect on what it truly means to be a musician – and to break the idea that only professionals deserve the title.

Standing on stage in front of friends, family – and maybe even total strangers – is one of the most exciting moments for a young musician. But how do you actually book your first gig when you don’t have industry connections? Here’s a practical guide to help high school bands and student musicians get started in their own city.

This is the third time Beatnickel has been rejected by the Apple App Store. This time? It’s about… swear words. Yes – Apple now requires us to create a list of banned words that cannot be used in messages or posts within the app. They also want us to include a way to report and block users – even though users can already block each other in the chat.We’re taking this seriously and plan to submit an updated version to Apple today. Hopefully, the third time’s the charm, and we’ll finally be approved so iPhone users can join the Beatnickel community too.

When we talk about music culture, we often think of big festivals, concerts, and famous artists. But the most vibrant and lasting music scenes often don’t start on the big stage — they grow locally. And in that process, music schools and cultural schools play a central role.