Bluegrass Mandolin Lesson: Tag Endings
Bluegrass, like many musical traditions, is a primarily improvisational art form. When bluegrass tunes are performed, there is a common song structure that is typically followed in order to keep all the musicians organized and on the same page. A song typically begins with the band performing the tune’s predetermined melody. From there, each member of the band typically performs an improvised solo over the tune’s chord changes. After most, if not all, of the band members have performed their solos, the tune’s melody is performed once again and the band then prepares to end the song. But, how do all of the musicians end the performance in a smooth and coordinated manner? The answer: tag endings.
The Virtual Banjo Roundtable with Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny, & Alison Brown
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 4:00 pm PT, ArtistWorks will be hosting a free virtual live-streamed event featuring all three of our world-renowned bluegrass banjo instructors: Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny, and our newest banjo teacher Alison Brown (who’s course is currently available for pre-sale and will be launching to the public on August 1, 2023).
Bluegrass Guitar Lesson: The 3 Shape Method
When first learning how to play the guitar, most of us begin by studying a few fundamental major and minor chords. These chords are typically the common open-position chords, sometimes referred to as “cowboy chords,” in the lowest register on the guitar neck. However, as we progress as players, we quickly discover that each chord quality within any key offers a plethora of different chord shapes and fingerings that can be played in various octaves and inversions up and down the fingerboard.
Paul Gilbert Celebrates 14,000 Video Exchanges!
Award-winning master guitarist, co-founder of bands Racer X and Mr. Big, and internationally-renowned shred guitar icon, Paul Gilbert has been an instructor at ArtistWorks since 2012 and has played an integral role in helping us achieve, and continue to live up to, our mission to teach the world music.
Pre-Sale VIP Memberships for “On Banjo with Alison Brown” Now Available!
We’re excited to announce that pre-sale VIP memberships are now available for our newest course, “On Banjo with Alison Brown.” While the course officially launches in late July, joining early grants you access to a handful of amazing perks and exclusives leading up to the launch, including:
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Flatpick Guitar Lesson: Pentatonic Patterns Across the Fretboard
When learning to improvise on the guitar, the first scale that almost every player begins dissecting is the pentatonic scale. The pentatonic scale is the perfect collection of notes from which to begin one’s improvisational journey on the guitar.
New Course: Announcing “On Banjo with Alison Brown”
We are excited to announce our newest course coming in late July 2023, “On Banjo with Alison Brown.”
Thank you to the ArtistWorks Popular Piano Family
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that I will be finishing the last VE deadlines dates on July 9, July 16, and July 23. Thank you for 9 wonderful years of helping thousands of people discover the joy of playing the piano! I've just posted a video on the home page sharing some details that went into this difficult decision, so please be sure to watch it to the end.
I know many of you will be very disappointed, but rest assured the ArtistWorks team will help you either transition to another fantastic teacher here (they are ALL wonderful!), or help you get a refund for the remainder of your subscription should you choose to discontinue. Whatever you decide, it is my sincere hope that you will continue to play the piano for the rest of your lives!
I hope to see all of you for the final 3 VE dates and help you continue in your piano playing journey!
With much love,
Hugh
Read MoreThank you to the ArtistWorks Popular Piano Family
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that I will be finishing the last VE deadlines dates on July 9, July 16, and July 23. Thank you for 9 wonderful years of helping thousands of people discover the joy of playing the piano! I've just posted a video on the home page sharing some details that went into this difficult decision, so please be sure to watch it to the end.
I know many of you will be very disappointed, but rest assured the ArtistWorks team will help you either transition to another fantastic teacher here (they are ALL wonderful!), or help you get a refund for the remainder of your subscription should you choose to discontinue. Whatever you decide, it is my sincere hope that you will continue to play the piano for the rest of your lives!
I hope to see all of you for the final 3 VE dates and help you continue in your piano playing journey!
With much love,
Hugh
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Flatpick Guitar Lesson: Hammer-Ons & Grace Notes
One of the most beautiful characteristics that all musical instruments share is their unique ability to mimic the emotive qualities of the human voice. Musicians are able to perform subtle inflections on their instruments that imitate the expressive nuances of the human voice in a way that speaks to us and moves us universally as people. The guitar is no exception to this trait, and there are several techniques in particular that highlight the vocal-like qualities of the instrument, including hammer-ons, pull-offs, the use of grace notes, vibrato, and more.