Apps for Learning Guitar

I just got an iPad this past week! For those of you who take lessons in the small back room at the studio, you'll understand why I'm so happy- the computer is GONE! Waste of space that thing was! So now my online teaching tools are mobile. This morning I'm poking around online trying to see what tools are available to me as a teacher, and to you as a student, on the ipad. I came across this article which I want to share with you: http://www.wired.com/reviews/2013/02/app-guide-guitar-helpers/ There are some really cool looking things on that page! If you try/have tried any of them, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it..if it was useful, etc. I've already purchased the "lifetime" subscription to Ultimate Guitar Tabs. I'm in love with this app. I HATE the actual website! The website is hard to navigate and has lots of those annoying pop up ads. This app is well organized and "clean". A+! -Amy

The Adult Learner

It's been so long since anyone has blogged here! Personally, I've been working toward the completion of my music degree at Kennesaw State University. I just finished this past semester and am so excited to get back to my life and building my business.

 When I first started to conceptualize In Tune Studio several years ago, I wanted to create a space that was not strictly for kids. I wanted a space that an adult could walk into and not feel out of place. I had worked at that type of school before and I knew that what I would create would feel different. It does feel different! And I'm so proud of what myself and my co-workers have created. But there's one obstacle that we all keep experiencing as teachers- adult student droppage. I don't know what else to call it. But here's how it goes:

 1. The adult student signs up for lessons and is very ambitious, excited, and dedicated to learning
 2. The adult student takes a few weeks or even months of lessons.
 3. The amount of practice time starts to dwindle. You know...life gets in the way!
 4. Lesson attendance becomes inconsistant at best.
 5. DROPPAGE OCCURS (cue dramatic music).

 So we're left asking ourselves how we can prevent this. How can we as teachers motivate adult students to continue and work through the rough patches of life to do something for themselvse. Something that can ultimately bring them great joy! The irony of this is that I am also an adult student. Finishing my degree while running a business has been one of the toughest challenges of my life. Finding time to practice, study, and work left me with no time for myself. Now that I'm moving on, I hope to be able to continue to find time for my music in the midst of being an adult left to her own devices!

 I encourage any adult who is considering music lessons to try it out! Take the time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it. Let it be an escape from your daily routine and find beauty in your learning process and in the struggle, mistakes, and ultimate successes you'll encounter along the way. It's totally worth it if you give it a try.

One Great Video!

Here is an amazingly funny piece of Classical Guitar music. Amy sent this over to me a few months ago and I was on the floor rolling within 30 seconds! There has even been talks of us performing the piece in the near future. Until then, enjoy The Baltic Guitar Quartet's performance of Malamatina by Carlo Domeniconi. 

"Christmas Time is Here" - Video Lesson

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brett's New Tapping Exercise

Beginning Guitar Lessons: Lesson 2

This lesson is a continuation of the first lesson and focuses on it's practical application.

Parkening Book 1 ONLINE!!!

...well, some of it at least. I just found this on google books and think everyone who is interested in taking Classical guitar lessons should listen to the music I have posted on this website [Search: "Classical Guitar"] AND read/play through the preview of this book. Then you should buy a copy, of course!



Also, let's hear it for google's embedded scrolling preview feature! Man, I love Google!

Composition Competition!!!

Hello Students and Parents,

We are very excited to announce the 2011 ITS Composition Composition! Submissions will be accepted through November and are due no later than Friday, December 2nd. Click HERE to see the complete rules and regulations. I'm sure you'll be getting an email from the studio very soon announcing everything too.

Good Luck!

Gear: What's a Slide?

Slides are typically metal or glass tubes (rings) that are worn on one finger of the guitar player's left hand. When the slide touches the string and is not pressed down it allows for a portamento effect much like the quarter tones that are only available on non-fretted instruments like the violin, viola, and cello.

Here is a friend and amazing blues player, The Deacon Brandon Reeves, playing a little Blues in G.



enjoy!