Playing an instrument helps kids learn
Contrasting with previous studies finding that listening to music will improve IQs, newer studies have shown that learning how to play an instrument can significantly, and more consistently, improve academic performance. With many low-budget schools cutting music programs, these findings could act as a valuable deterrent for this trend. (From KQED and The Times and Democrat)
Questlove’s new show brings back music television
The band leader of the influential band The Roots has created a show on VH1, called SoundClash, that features three acts of different genres performing together. Playing on Wednesday nights, the show’s three guests for this week are Sia, Ed Sheeran and Grouplove. (From The Daily Beast)
Streaming services have big decisions to make
In the first six months of 2014, more than 70 percent of music consumption was through downloads or music streaming, according to Nielsen SoundScan data. Even so, 70 percent of Spotify’s revenue pays for music royalties, meaning profit is difficult to achieve consistently. (From Quartz)
Northern Colorado Music and Festivals 