The Distance of Sound

Well Fall is here and we really start to take notice of distance every year around this time.

We notice the temperature  drop and the days get shorter we even notice the yearly 

cycle of our trees as the leaves turn color and fall. All of these actions have ways of 

being measured during our observance of them. Now believe it or not sound

can be measured as well and as the days grow short and cold and we find

ourselves indoors with a little more time on our hands some of us will be 

sitting down to take a deep look at this topic and learning how it

can benefit us in many applications. And for those of you that 

may not be ready for this in depth look we will  be working

to lay the ground work so you can work your way 

up to knowledge like this. So get ready and 

nestle in for some learning and see what

fruit it produces in the spring. 

Back To School...

Well it's safe to say that summer is going to be over sooner then we all think... And as the approach of fall brings thoughts of hitting the books it should also spark the thoughts of all the wonderful holidays that will soon be upon us. It's times like that where your talents get to shine for your family and your friends as well. The chance to play at family gatherings (make mom and grandma smile) and maybe the school talent show... And if you happen to be in the adult realm of playing we have to spend more time indoors when it snows, that means its time to get polished up for finding a few jamming buddies or a blues jam at a local tavern. So that means it's time for us to get in the right mind set and get our brains back from the bliss of summer. I'll tell ya now no mater how serious some of our fall studies become, we are still going to have a ton of fun!

Off to A Great Start!

First week of College for Kids at PennState The Behrend College is off to a great start. Have had nothing but great kids in class this summer. New books, new presentation methods and new approaches to the understanding of a timeless instrument.

There are still opening for "The Intro to the Major Scale" class.

And openings for "Beginner Guitar" for 8-10 year old kids.

Both classes are very informative and great stepping stones for further musical studies. Not to mention... they are pretty rock n roll too.

Lots of stuff starting to take shape.

The ever populer Nolan School of Music recital is in the works. This is always a fun time and

really shows the hard work of the students involved. It also helps to brake the ice about how to

play with others. Be sure to stop out and check it out, even if you don't take lessons at the shop.

Summer is getting under way sooner then you think. first up this summer as far as work shops and fun activities is the ever fun collage for kids programs. 2 classes this year as always, intro to guitar and intro to the major scale. Both are very fun classes. Check out the Penn State Behrend's web page for more details on registration.

More updates as they develop. We hope to see you playing this summer.

Black History Month

(Ken Burns Jazz is streaming on Netflix. It is an excellent series that will change how you view the world.) 

Oh yeah can ya dig it? If ya didn't know that early African spirituals and slave songs gave way to the blues which then in turn gave way to Jazz and every thing else under the sun that you like to listen to, you know now. The basic 1 4 5 blues chord progression is a staple in rock and jazz, Louis Armstrong isn't just a horn player, he reinvented how people sing!  he showed how you could take the most basic run of the mill standard and turn it into a hit with a little arranging. Duke Ellington was one of the first to show how important and how grand not playing any thing at all here and there could be. People like Fats Waller were taking the piano to new levels every day. People after the turn of the century in 1906 were starting to take out dated background instruments and transforming them into shining solo instruments. All the boundaries and rules of standard music were starting to be rewritten and i know your thankful... So get into it learn something this month. There is a whole race of people out there that once had to fight the oppression of the system to have a good time and the good time they were having changed every thing the world was about to hear form that moment on till the end of time!

Barre Chord February

We are slowly creeping into the month of February. This up and coming month most of you will be getting a beefed up approach to barre chords, how they are laid out and many different approaches to employing them in your compositions and your accompaniments. They truly are one of the devices that make the guitar such and interesting, unique and complex instrument.

Summer Work Shops Start to Take Shape

Song Composition for Multiple Instruments:

Are you at that age where you're jamming with some friends but you guys seem to need a little more direction? Well, this workshop is here to give you the info you need to make the magic happen just a little quicker, and with less arguments at practice. The course is almost done being written. It will likely be a two day class for three hours each day. Check back for more details in the next few weeks.

Penn State Summer Workshops:

This summer, like most summers, I will be offering two workshops at Penn State Behrend.

1. Intro to Guitar - A basic introduction to learning to play the guitar, geared for first time players that have no experience playing. Learn the basics (and a little extra to help you keep going on your own for a bit and to help you figure out if you want to commit) in a very relaxed and fun small-group setting. Different sessions are available for different age groups. More info will be provided as it becomes available.

2. An Intro to the Major Scale - This class is set for kids with one year or more of playing experience who are looking into taking on song writing or upping their game as player by knowing what to do and how to do it in the context of the scale when playing with others or writing a accompaniment or lead. Learn the basics that open the door to a never-ending adventure. 

Both classes are held for one week, three hours a day. Booking is through Penn State Behrend. Info will be posted as classes come open for booking.