The Rock Band Project

Creativity

The Two-Minute Intervention That Will Unlock Your Creativity

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on January 10, 2014

According to Grammy-nominated musician Peter Himmelman, anybody who can fearlessly access and communicate their deepest emotions will be free of their fears and capable of realizing their full human potential.

According to Grammy-nominated musician Peter Himmelman, anybody who can fearlessly access and communicate their deepest emotions will be free of their fears and capable of realizing their full human potential.

Lou Reed was one of the first artists who showed us that rock n’ roll can be about more than love songs and party music. At the age of seventeen he had electroshock therapy to cure him of his homosexual tendencies. The experience of his parents committing violence to his brain for the sake of upholding middle class values shaped his work and changed rock music forever.

Charisma

9 Ways to Increase Your Charisma

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on September 7, 2013

Prince believed that charisma can be learned. He was right. Research shows that charisma can be broken down to specific communication strategies. Learn how to be a more effective communicator using these examples from rock stars.

Prince believed that charisma can be learned. He was right. Research shows that charisma can be broken down to specific communication strategies. Learn how to be a more effective communicator using these examples from rock stars.

Relationships

The Problem with No Problems: The Rock Band Case

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on May 30, 2013

New research shows that success doesn't necessarily strengthen the team. In contrast, early setbacks, such as failed shows by nascent bands, build cohesion and develop pride in the team’s resolve, dedication, and commitment.

New research shows that success doesn't necessarily strengthen the team. In contrast, early setbacks, such as failed shows by nascent bands, build cohesion and develop pride in the team’s resolve, dedication, and commitment.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

How Giving Builds Community: The Case of Sonic Youth

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on May 22, 2013

Sonic Youth’s giving approach helped grow the underground alternative movement from the margins to the mainstream and helped perpetuate a musician-led culture of mutual support. Along the way, it granted the band the freedom and support to keep making music it believed in.

Sonic Youth’s giving approach helped grow the underground alternative movement from the margins to the mainstream and helped perpetuate a musician-led culture of mutual support. Along the way, it granted the band the freedom and support to keep making music it believed in.

Friends

Friends as Business Partners

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on April 4, 2013

Despite the advice "Never go into business with friends," 90% of entrepreneurs do just that, as well as most rock bands. When they find themselves with a teammate-friend who is not holding up his or her end, they have to make a choice.

Despite the advice "Never go into business with friends," 90% of entrepreneurs do just that, as well as most rock bands. When they find themselves with a teammate-friend who is not holding up his or her end, they have to make a choice.

Narcissism

Difficult Leaders: From Groupon to Stone Temple Pilots

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on March 17, 2013

Groupon and Stone Temple Pilots recently ousted their founder-leaders. Like many organizations, rock bands are often led by narcissists. Although narcissists can be good for organizational performance, they can be difficult to work with. When the difficult person is a founder, common business practice is to replace them. Bands are better off adapting to their leader.

Groupon and Stone Temple Pilots recently ousted their founder-leaders. Like many organizations, rock bands are often led by narcissists. Although narcissists can be good for organizational performance, they can be difficult to work with. When the difficult person is a founder, common business practice is to replace them. Bands are better off adapting to their leader.

Fear

Why Success Makes Us Risk Averse

Ruth Blatt Ph.D. on March 13, 2013

When musicians succeed they can become so worried about losing their place at the top that they stop taking the creative risks that got them there in the first place

When musicians succeed they can become so worried about losing their place at the top that they stop taking the creative risks that got them there in the first place