School Reopening Plans in St. Louis with a real life teacher, Brian Vaccaro, 2020-2021 school COVID-19

July 20, 2020, the public and private schools for most of St. Louis County and City announced their decisions for moving forward for the 2020-2021 school year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Many thoughts and feelings are circling around communities as parents struggle to grasp what is in the best interest of their children’s emotional/social well-being, mental health, and overall health WHILE ALSO looking at how all of this plays in to the parent’s ability to maintain their work and sanity.

Gen Lobonc BillhartzJuly 21, 2020Shock City School of Musicschool, music, music lessons, education

TOP 5 Tips for Music Recording

Here’s the TOP 5 noteworthy tips for recording music:

Have a GREAT song. That’s right- it has to be amazing and the BEST song you can write BEFORE….

Gen Lobonc BillhartzJuly 15, 2020Shock City School of Music

Preparing for my music recording session at the studio vol. 1

Whether you are completely NEW to the recording scene or are more seasoned, it is always super important to be prepared for your session. Here’s some tips from 10+ year chief (lead) audio engineer and producer from St. Louis’s most trusted recording studio, Shock City Studios.

PRE-RECORDING SESSION: The Arrangement of your song is KEY

Gen Lobonc BillhartzJuly 13, 2020Shock City School of Music

Benefits of virtual and online lessons and classes

Lots of people think that there’s no worth in pursuing online music lessons and classes but that’s simply not true. You can absolutely begin to learn a new instrument OR work to master one you currently play through online means. Let’s explore some benefits of taking private or group music lessons on an instrument or for voice and see what we can discover.

Gen Lobonc BillhartzApril 27, 2020Shock City School of Music

4 Reasons to LOVE music classes!

There’s almost nothing greater than being able to play an instrument, and the progress of learning is just as fun of an experience! Taking some time for music lessons brings you so many benefits to your music journey.

Gen Lobonc BillhartzApril 16, 2020

5 Surprising Benefits of Online Music Lessons

With current circumstances circling around the COVID-19 pandemic, we know being "trapped" in your home can cause stress and be anxiety inducing. However it doesn't have to be that way. Online music lessons are one of the best ways to keep you or your child busy during the down time while keeping your mental health in check! Listed below are 5 surprising benefits of taking online music lessons.

Gen Lobonc BillhartzApril 3, 2020

When Music Can Help

Gen Lobonc BillhartzMarch 27, 2020Shock City School of Music

Tips for Practicing at Home

There can be several benefits to practicing as a musician (or any level) in the comfort of your own home. You’re truly able to take things at your own pace in an environment that is familiar and comfortable to you. There is a higher level of convenience and more availability to practice on your own terms. However, it can take a lot more motivation to keep up with your schedule, so here are some tips and tricks to keep you at your full potential:

Gen Lobonc BillhartzMarch 19, 2020Shock City School of Music

Music and Movies – the Enhancing Affect of a Good Soundtrack

Shock City School of MusicMarch 9, 2020Shock City School of Music

How do I get my kid to practice?

I have been getting this question a LOT recently. Here is the slim and skinny.

The Surprising and Everyday Importance and Effect of Music

From a simple past-time to a full-time career, music can play such a large role in someone’s everyday routine, and the beauty of this form of art can be both enjoyable and therapeutic.

Gen Lobonc BillhartzFebruary 11, 2020Shock City School of Musicmusic lessons, songwriting, music

Hoping to Nurture Social-Emotional Wellness in Your Child? Music Helps.

One of the most effective—not to mention enjoyable—ways to nurture social-emotional skills in children is through music.

KindermusikShock City School of MusicJune 29, 2019

The Best Budget Keyboard Piano for Beginners: Words of Wisdom from a Keyboard Pro

There were so many brands and models to choose from, and it was very difficult to compare them. So, I hope I can share some wisdom and knowledge about keyboards that are available today.

Shock City School of MusicNovember 17, 2018

When It Comes To Your Kids, Investing Early Pays Off

There are two things you can be doing with your toddler now that could give your child a leg up when it comes time to for them start kindergarten.

KindermusikShock City School of MusicOctober 26, 2018

Building Your Child’s Creativity and Emotional Health Through Music

Angela England, a mommy of five from Oklahoma, shares her thoughts on how music can help build your child’s creativity and emotional health. She writes for Mom Blog Society.

Shock City School of MusicOctober 16, 2018