The days of having to get your music professionally recorded are long gone.  These days, music stars are being discovered via music clips that they upload onto YouTube and Facebook.

Want to send your performance in for assessment or audition?  No problems.

These microphones are inexpensive and easy to use:

B001AS6OYC Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Condenser USB Microphone

The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. The AT2020 USB plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. Equipped with a USB digital output, the AT2020 USB is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use. Based on the renowned AT2020 The AT2020 USB is based on the design of Audio-Technica’s critically acclaimed AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone. Like the AT2020, it features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With low self-noise, the AT2020 USB is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards. Experience AT2020 USB. Plug it in and transform your sound. Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Features Side-address studio condenser with USB digital output (Windows and Mac compatible) Crystal-clear, natural sound for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source Low self-noise – perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment Includes tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount, USB cable & storage pouch.

Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package

The NT1A Anniversary Model is a complete redesign of the now legendary NT1 classic studio microphone. From the new nickel plated body to the state of the art surface mount electronic circuitry, the NT1A will leave you asking “how can RODE offer a microphone that sounds this good, for so little money”? The RØDE NT1A, Winner of the Electronic Musician 2004 Editor’s Choice Award and the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone. This redesigned version of RØDE’s classic NT1 has only 5 dBA of self-noise. The NT1A Anniversary model includes a premium shockmount with integrated pop filter, high quality 6m (20’) XLR cable, microphone dust cover and even a bonus instructional DVD. Presented by RØDE founder and company president, Peter Freedman, the NT1A Studio Secrets DVD features a range of tips and techniques to help NT1A owners get the most from their new microphone. The NT1A has become an industry standard providing the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability usually only found with some of the most expensive microphones. Finished in durable satin nickel, the NT1A is supplied with a shock mount, pop filter, mic cable and pouch.

MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone

This mic has rave reviews. The MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern is a condenser microphone designed around a Class-A discrete FET mic amp specially chosen to match its large diaphragm capsule. The capsule itself has been sized and tuned to provide a silky and airy top end with a full, warm midrange reminiscent of vintage microphones. Hand selected internal components create a sound that enhances both vocal and instrument performances. Using the polar patterns To take advantage of the versatility of the MXL 4000′s polar patterns, here are some miking tricks of the pros. Figure-8 Figure-8 mics pick up sound equally well from front and rear. So, if you’re looking for a rich vocal sound with the added ambience of room tone to add depth and spaciousness, use the figure-8 pattern and have your vocalist sing into one side while the other picks up the reflections of the room. Only do this if you have a good-sounding room. You can also use the figure-8 pattern for isolation from other instruments. For example, if you’re miking drums and want to give the hi-hat it’s own track, position the MXL 4000 so that the side of the figure-8, where rejection is greatest, is pointing towards the snare while the front or rear of the mix faces the hat. Do the same if you’re recording a singer-guitarist who’s playing an acoustic while singing. You need two figure-8 mics for this one. Position the vocal mic so that the side is facing the guitar, and the guitar mic so that the side of the figure-8 points towards the singer’s mouth. Now both singer and guitar are isolated. Again, make sure you do this in a room that sounds good, because the back side of the mic will be picking up the room. Omni In many cases, the least used, but best-sounding of all the polar patterns. Omni has very little off-axis coloration, which means that sounds entering the sides of the mic sound just as good as sounds entering the front. If you have a great-sounding room, by all means, try omni before anything else. Omni gives your recordings the impression

Learning to play a guitar is a long held desire for many but lack of confidence often prevents people from taking that first step to find to learning.  This is especially so for adults who aren’t really that comfortable going along for lessons with younger people who can already play.

Father’s Day is coming up soon and maybe this is the time to give someone special a nudge to make an inexpensive investment in a guitar starter pack (maybe that someone is even you).

Here’s a great deal:

The Acoustic Guitar Starter Pack For Dummies is the easiest and most convenient way to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. This pack provides everything you need to start playing guitar–all in one box! Included in the pack are a Kona acoustic guitar, gig bag, digital tuner, 3 picks and the top-selling “Guitar Basics For Dummies” book with CD.

Combine that with some online guitar lessons and you are good to go.

Imagine pulling out your guitar at a party with friends and have them gather round as you play their favorite tunes…

What if you could join a band or play onstage in front of a live audience… wouldn’t that be AMAZING!

beyond basic guitar lessons