Music Resources

Logic Pro is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that can handle all basic functions of recording from capturing audio to signal processing to mixing. It is a DAW that is only compatible with MAC computers.

Ableton Live Lite is the basic version of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It is a software for music production, creation, and performance. Unlike most DAW, Ableton live is designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for composing, recording, arranging, mixing and mastering. It is compatible on both Windows and Mac. The Lite version just has a limited array of synthesizers, plugins, and effects to choose from in comparison to the Ableton Live.

This channel, featured on true fire, is hosted by one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarist Andy McKee. With attention to song structure and melodic content, he helps you transform the steel string guitar into a full orchestra. Learn some of his techniques such as altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, and percussive hits though his video tutorials.

The website is a list of provincial musician grants that you can apply for as an organization or musician. Whether you are looking to record, host a live show, or need funding for the next music video, this is the place to start looking if you are a resident of British Columbia.

Made Through Berklee Onlines learning environment you can take sample lessons from 12 different Berklee Online courses. Each lesson highlights a different musical interest area, and includes video and audio clips, discussion topics, and weekly assignments. Some sample lessons include: Music Production Fundamentals for Songwriters, Guitar Ensemble, Film Scoring, Music Theory 101, Music Marketing 101 and much more!

This is an extensive list of grants for musicians and creatives living in Canada. It is a blog post that is continuously updated. There is a calendar for deadlines for grant applications, so that you can keep track of funds with less stress!

Chordify is a library of chords for songs to learn on the guitar, ukulele or piano. The webpage has interactive chords that you can play along with, like karaoke but for your fingers! Songs will be played from YouTube, Deezer, or SoundCloud as it points out the chord to play. You can adjust the tempo of the song so it’s easier to play along. There is a diagram section that will show you how to play the chords on guitar, ukulele or piano. No more switching between tabs to find out how to play a chord!

Coursera is a list of free music courses that will help you learn music fundamentals as well as the art and technology of music production to create professional music compositions. It is offered by multiple music institutions including Berklee College of Music, Yale University and University of Edinburgh. These courses will help you learn to identify and use reference tracks, run an efficient recording session, understand the fundamentals of music theory, explore production, songwriting, and much more!! The styles of music that are addressed range from folk music to jazz to classical to electronic music.

While using the DAWs that professional producers use may be appealing there are many free options available out there. This website compares different options so that you can choose the DAW that best fits your artistic vision.

Functional Ear Trainer is a fun and interactive way of training your ear to hear the notes and intervals so that you can play music by ear. This is a great steppingstone to learn how to transcribe song you want to learn how to play but do not have score sheets, tabs or video tutorials.

GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio for Macs – with a complete sound library that includes instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and an incredible selection of session drummers and percussionists. While it is not the usual DAW of choice for professionals, the drum beat from “Umbrella” with Rihanna and Jay-Z was made on this platform and is a great stepping stone to learn how to use a DAW.

If you recognize the healing power of music and would like to share it with other people, Capilano University offers a program on Music Therapy. As a music therapist, you will learn to use music as a transformative change agent in many different settings, including children with autism, adults with mental health challenges and elderly with dementia. This bachelor’s degree focuses on both music and psychology and is a paid program that lasts 4.5 years.

Nimbus School of Recording and Media is an Audio Engineering, Music Production, and Music Business School in Canada. Learn how to foster a career in music by learning the technology and business associated with it.

Pro Tools First is a lite version of Pro Tools, which is a Digital Audio Workstation that can perform the functions of a multitrack tape recorder and mixing console. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows and allows you edit and master what you recorded.

Ultimate guitar is the largest song library available for guitars, bass, and ukulele. It is a community of guitarists who contribute chords and tabs to the website. It offers different versions of the songs to practice. Users can rate the guitar chords and tabs out of five, making it clear which version is the best. Ultimate guitar also features strumming patterns and lyrics making it helpful to sing along and play a song.

Beats Mind Movement is a FREE music programming initiative dedicated to proving youth between the ages of 16-29 with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship needed to succeed in today’s evolving music industry. In each 5-month cycle, 15 artists will be selected to take part in the full program to gain skills and develop a stronger understanding of key elements within the world of recording arts.

Having a website as a musician will be useful if you are applying to venues or festivals, where you can show your music portfolio in one spot. Weebly is a free website builder that will allow you to create a musician website easily and professionally.

As a musician looking to book venues and festivals, an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a useful tool to communicate with managers. This website provides a few tips on how to create an EPK that is professional and accessible so that you can get the gig that you want to play at!