Bits & Peaces — Music

While playing music live is one of the most joyful activities in the world, it can come at a cost. Protect your hearing now so you don't pay the price later.

It's been 11 years since EarPeace launched at South by Southwest in 2010. In honor of this year's virtual event, we're reminiscing on the festival's pivotal role in our origin story.

Since we're all stuck at home, there's been no way for musicians to safely get in a room with bandmates and collaborators. But there are other options for those missing real-time jam sessions.

You may not be performing on stage, but that's no reason to stop practicing your instruments. We talked to classical flutist, Emi Ferguson, and NAACP Image Award-nominated jazz pianist, Marcus Johnson, about why it's important to keep playing during the pandemic and how to stay focused and motivated.