Dear Musician – Sometimes Change is Good

Change can strike fear in the hearts of even the strongest of us. Remember when your favorite band broke up or your favorite radio station went off the air? Remember when that favorite keyboard stopped working and parts were no longer available? How about when your DAW was no longer supported and everything you had created up until that time was completely built on the now-defunct platform? It’s pretty scary stuff to some people.

I’ve often viewed musical endeavors I’ve participated in as “living” entities. When the time came for the “season” to be over, I viewed some of those experiences like a death in the family. I would realize and be saddened that the music and experiences we created together would no longer exist except in lasting memories.

Each of these musical experiences, left a lasting impression, some that I draw from to this day! Each had its own dynamics of band members, personality types, musical style, and magic.

And some of it wasn’t always easy. An oak tree is mighty and strong when mature because it is one of the scrawniest when it is a sapling. Everything nature can throw at it abuses it. The net result, however,  is a tree that has built muscle that allows it to stand strong in the end.

Making music can result in this same type of life experience. Every experience stacks upon the last, and soon “you” are a result of the combination of everything you’ve gained from the collective experiences.

Harmony Central’s been this way. We started in 1995 from humble beginnings but realized quickly that musicians like community. We like a place to “hang” together. We like being on “the bus” together or hanging in the “green room.”

Through different ownership, Harmony Central experienced changes. Some good—some, well…not so much! If you’ve been here, you know what I’m talking about!

We are changing once again. In the coming weeks, Harmony Central will once again undergo a transformation. Now, we’re working hard not to “move your cheese,” but everything can’t stay the same. Our custom code has become slow and clunky as browsers update and internet/wireless signals increase speeds. The net result is that Harmony Central has become a place where the user experience (UX) has become less than tolerable. So...we’re moving to a new platform! The good news: in the past these decisions were corporately driven. This time, team HC is being allowed to navigate the move. We are working tirelessly so when we emerge on the new platform, the experience is fast, friendly, and as flawless as we can make it.

We ask for your patience. We ask for your feedback when the switch is thrown. We ask that you don’t panic if you have to transpose from E to E-flat!

In the end, our goal remains to inspire you to make better music. We just want a better place for you to hang between sets! Cha, cha changes! -HC-

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Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and Executive Director of Harmony Central. He has been heavily involved at the executive level in many aspects of the drum and percussion industry for over 25 years and has been a professional player since he was 16. His articles and product reviews have been featured in InTune Monthly, Gig Magazine, DRUM! and Modern Drummer Magazines.