GRANT WRITING BASICS
How to research and write guitar-related grants. By Jerry Snyder [more]

HOW TO GET CRUISE SHIP GIGS
A cruise ship gig can be a great way to play music while seeing the world. By Tom Duarte [more]

FLYING WITH A GUITAR
Bringing your instrument along while traveling by air doesn’t have to be stressful. Take these proper precautions. By Scott Nygaard [more]

FOCUSRITE LIQUID SAFFIRE 56
Preamp specialist Focusrite has introduced a new audio interface. The Liquid Saffire 56 ($1,299.99) combines the company’s celebrated Liquid technology preamp design (which includes emulations of classic preamps such as the Neve 1073, Pultec MB-1, and Telefunken V72) with a FireWire interface for computer recording. The unit features a total of eight inputs, ten analog outputs, 16 channels of ADAT i/o, stereo S/PDIF or AES i/o, MIDI i/o, two virtual “loopback” inputs for routing digital audio between software applications, and BNC wordclock i/o. The Saffire Mix Control software provides ultra-flexible control over routing and monitoring, with presets for immediate setup of commonly used mixing situations, and full metering across all inputs, outputs and submixes. focusrite.com

SHARON ISBIN MASTER CLASSES AT ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sharon Isbin will give master classes at the Aspen Music Festival and School during Half Session II from July 24 to August 23, 2009. Isbin will concentrate on technique, sound production, interpretation (in all repertoire), and Baroque performance practices. Each student will receive a total of five lessons in a master-class setting. Advanced students will receive all their lessons from Isbin, while others may have one or more individual lessons with her assistant. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive coaching for guitar ensembles and chamber music with other instruments. The Aspen Music Festival offers guitarists the unique experience of intensive guitar training amidst a stimulating environment of music making in orchestral, opera, chamber music, vocal, and instrumental repertoire. aspenmusicfestival.com

THE HOME/PRO STUDIO HYBRID
Overcome your studio’s limitations by tracking and editing at home, but mixing and mastering at a pro facility.
By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

If you’re like a growing number of DIY musicians, you do most or all of your tracking and editing at home, but then polish your songs in a pro studio. Why? A home studio is ideal for relaxed, unpressured (i.e., free) recording, where you can play and experiment whenever inspiration strikes. But mixing and mastering usually requires a studio engineer with the essential tools (great-sounding effects, accurate monitors, experienced ears) to make your music shine. Here are seven tips to consider when planning a home/pro studio recording project.

1. CHOOSE A MIXING STUDIO BEFORE YOU RECORD
Find a mixing engineer who has worked with home recordists, and discuss the details of your project: what you’ll be recording, what your sonic goals are, which software and file formats you’ll use, how you’ll transport audio files (CD, DVD, portable hard drive), etc. If you can, bring in samples of songs you’ve recorded at home and ask for advice on recording levels, mic placement, ambient noise, etc. Needless to say, if an engineer’s feedback isn’t constructive (e.g., your tracks suck and would sound much better if you recorded in his studio), look elsewhere. [more]

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