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Last Fair Deal Upcoming Gigs! Greetings music lovers! Last Fair Deal continues to redraw the map of American roots music with energy and creativity. Their eclectic repertoire reflects influences from bluegrass, jazz, acoustic rock and contemporary singer-songwriters, and features their own original material as well as unique interpretations of classic songs from the […]
Music Tips by Paul Howard Save Save Save Save
Paul Howard’s Valley Music School is accepting new students this season. Our school services Farmington Valley and West Hartford and has a 30 year plus history of quality music lessons for ALL ages. Our instruction is individualized and presented in a patient and caring manner. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or professional looking […]
I hope you enjoy some of the music transcriptions below! ♫Sally Goodin Texas Backup ♫Emperor’s Hymn ♫Floating Crowbar ♫Glenroad To Carrick ♫Jerusalem Ridge ♫Gypsy D Minor tune ♫Lady’s Fancy ♫Leather Britches ♫Misty Morning ♫Queen of Hearts ♫St. Louis Blues
People ask me all the time what kind of guitar to get for a beginner. There are a lot of choices but some stand out. It is hard to go wrong with a Mexican Fender Stratocaster. These guitars are Fender’s “middle of the road” models. These can be found in the $300 price range and […]
Roadie Boot Camp for your gear! When you are a musician or musical hobbyist or collector you always have to deal with caring for your gear. What you sometimes need is Roadie Boot Camp or Guitar Tech 101! Some things that always come up and need to be dealt with are: Guitar strings: Always play […]
Part 2 – Warm up your vocal chords! By Linda Kimball To warm up your vocal chords …hum After your daily breathing exercises, hum lightly to warm up your vocal chords. Keep your mouth closed as you begin to hum and keep your neck, face and jaw relaxed. Start with a zzz sound then move […]
by Drum Teacher Tido Holtkamp As I work with students who are preparing difficult audition pieces, I am amazed at how often I need to remind them of the importance of relaxation in playing music. Drummers often tighten their grip, raise their shoulders and tense their neck and jaw when they play, and the more […]
No Matter What Happens Keep the Rhythm Going! by Gale Gardiner, Piano Instructor at Paul Howard’s Valley Music School. When preparing music to perform (regardless of instrument), Jim Houke (international upright bass player, composer) advised me: “People will forgive a wrong/missed note before they will forgive an interrupted rhythm”. That is why I help students focus […]
Voice Tip of the Day!! Guest Post by Linda Kimball! Did you know that singing is as physical an activity as sports? Part 1 of 5 tip of the day! Wake up the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle beneath the lungs that causes them to fill with air. When you sing the ribs should stay […]