21CM - creating the 21st Century Musician

Balafon Mania! Exploring the Malian Balafon with Balla Kouyaté

February 2019

Balla Kouyaté might be the only person in the world who can trace his musical heritage back to a 13th-century ancestor. Now, this master of the balafon demonstrates the ancient instrument and its construction.

Sounding Board

What’s the Connection Between Mindset and Musicians’ Pain?

Sarah Whitney · January 2019

My overconfidence in pain management impeded the use of my hands for years, sending me on an emotional rollercoaster. But my injury was both physical and mental.

Magazine

Presenting the “New Voices” Winning Essays

January 2019

Last year, 21CM partnered with the award-winning music blog I CARE IF YOU LISTEN to create the “New Voices” essay contest, inviting college students of any age to submit essays on the theme of the 21st century musician.

Special Features

21CM Announces the 2018 POP Icon

January 2019

Throughout 2018, our talented panel of artist-curators highlighted 55 people, organizations and projects they believed were advancing the musical arts. Each month, the voting by you, our readers, narrowed the field to create this year’s elite group of POP winners.