Laura Mitchell
Laura found her way into music through the folk sessions of Edinburgh's Old Town, where she learned that a song can hold a room without a single amplifier. A festival city upbringing gave her a taste for everything from fiddle tunes to fringe experiments. She writes about acoustic instruments, folk and the craft of songwriting.
Articles by Laura Mitchell
Music News for Beginners: A Complete Guide
As a beginner musician, you might not think music news applies to you. The truth is staying casually informed about music news enriches your playing, expands your musical horizons, and connects you to...
The Complete Guide to Mpc Key 37
An MPC 37-key controller offers beat makers a perfect middle ground: compact enough for tight studios and live use, yet spacious enough for expressive melody and chord work.
The Complete Guide to Silent Drum Set
Silent drum sets enable you to practise anytime without disturbing others. Learn about mesh vs rubber pads, modules and how to find the perfect kit for your needs.
Guitar String Winders: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Shopping for a guitar string winder? This guide covers manual vs. electric options, key features that matter, price tiers, and which type suits your playing frequency.
The Complete Guide to Recording Studio Gear
Professional recording studio gear need not be expensive. This guide covers essential equipment, how to build incrementally, and what genuinely improves recording quality.
The Complete Guide to Touch Sensitive Keys Keyboard
Touch-sensitive keys detect how hard you strike each key, enabling dynamic musical expression. Discover how they work, what to look for, and why they're essential for expressive playing.
Keyboard Bag for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A keyboard bag protects your instrument from dust, moisture, and damage. This beginner's guide explains types, features, and how to choose the right one.
The Complete Guide to Tremolo Arm Guitar
The tremolo arm is one of the most expressive features on an electric guitar, allowing players to modify pitch and create dramatic effects. Master the techniques and choose the right system for your p...
Guitars Head: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a bass amp head requires understanding power ratings, headroom and your venue needs. This guide covers the key specs and pitfalls.
The Complete Guide to Electronic Drum Amplifiers
Electronic drum amplifiers deliver your kit's sounds with clarity and power. Learn what specifications matter, how to choose the right amplifier for your needs and why dedicated drum amps outperform g...
Usb Recorder Player for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A USB recorder player combines traditional recorder playing with modern digital technology, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Learn what to look for and how to start your learning journey.
Beyerdynamic Mics for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Recording your first vocal, instrument, or podcast with a Beyerdynamic microphone feels intimidating if you've never done it before. But Beyerdynamic mics produce professional results with minimal fid...
Midi Drum Pads for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Want to make beats? MIDI drum pads are the perfect entry into music production. Learn how to start creating rhythms with this beginner guide.
Pmt Music for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting your musical journey is easier with the right guidance. Learn how PMT Music helps beginners choose instruments, avoid pitfalls, and build genuine confidence in their first weeks of playing.
The Complete Guide to Ibanez Jem Junior
The Ibanez Jem Junior offers iconic Jem aesthetics and solid construction at an affordable price. Ideal for young players and budget-conscious musicians.
The Complete Guide to Mic Preamps
Microphone preamps are the critical first stage in any recording chain. Discover what they do, how different types compare, and how to choose one that transforms your recordings.
Tc Play Acoustic for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner's guide to TC Play Acoustic: setup essentials, core features, audio interface configuration, common mistakes, and a realistic monthly roadmap.
Ibanez Jem Junior: A Complete Buyer's Guide
An Ibanez Jem Junior offers great Jem characteristics at accessible prices. This guide covers what to check, price ranges, and buying considerations.
The Complete Guide to Gothic
Gothic music blends post-punk's raw energy with orchestral darkness and romantic melancholy. From Bauhaus to contemporary acts, explore a genre that validates deeper emotions and celebrates beautiful...
The Complete Guide to Voice Recording Mics
Professional vocal recording demands the right voice recording microphones. Explore condenser types, microphone technique, and how to capture authentic vocal performance.
Guitar Picks Cool for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to guitar? Choosing the right pick matters more than you think. Learn about thickness, materials, technique, and how to find a pick that feels comfortable in your hand.
Cool Plectrums: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right plectrum affects your tone, speed, and comfort more than most players realise. Learn thickness, material, shape, and price options.
Piccolo Snare for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A piccolo snare produces a bright, piercing crack that cuts through any ensemble. This beginner's guide explains what they are, when you'll need one, and how to get started.
Bass Guitar Strap: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Understand bass guitar strap specifications including material types, width and padding requirements, attachment hardware, and comfort features. This buying guide explains how strap selection affects...
What Laura Mitchell covers
Accordion
The accordion is a versatile folk instrument with rich tone, expressive bellows and many layouts for traditional and mod...
2 topics
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are powerful traditional instruments with strong regional identities, used across Scottish, Irish and wider fol...
Didgeridoo
Resonant Australian drone instrument with powerful sustained tone, circular breathing and distinctive rhythmic effects.
1 topic
Harmonica
Harmonicas are compact, expressive instruments ideal for folk, blues and acoustic performance.
Kalimba
Kalimba instruments are compact thumb pianos with a soft, melodic tone, ideal for beginners and atmospheric playing.
2 topics
Mandolin
Mandolin instruments deliver a bright, ringing tone with strong folk and acoustic appeal across many styles.
2 topics
Ocarina
Compact vessel flute with a clear, haunting tone and simple, portable appeal.
Ukulele
Popular portable instrument with a bright sound and several sizes for folk and acoustic playing.
14 topicsPopular topics
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Index- Guitars 1,525
- Pianos & Keyboards 491
- Drums & Percussion 278
- Orchestral Strings 76
- Wind & Woodwind 97
- Brass Instruments 70
- Folk & World Instruments 108
- Studio Recording 484
- Music Software & DAWs 250
- DJ & Electronic Production 199
- Live Sound & PA 143
- Music Accessories 165
- Sheet Music & Learning 63
- Music Genres 285
- Music News & Industry 246
- Hi-Fi & Home Audio 64
- Artists & Bands 39