We finished up yesterday with a NAMM Presidents Council Meeting followed by the annual Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) Meeting. The presidents Council was a collection of young music industry professionals that gathered to discuss the growth of the industry and the direction we feel it’s going in the years to come.
Interestingly, the discussion primarily focused on the introduction of the video games Guitar Hero III and Rock Band. This has been a conversation topic at not only these meetings, but at the show in general. In yesterday’s pre-NAMM post I referenced Guitar Center CEO Marty Albertson stating that Guitar Hero III was the chains number one selling item for the 2007 holiday season. Regardless of the popularity, some here feel it’s not a good thing (i.e. fewer kids picking up a real guitar causing fewer students for teachers and smaller sales for the local shops) and some feel we need to embrace it 100% (i.e. it will create players because kids want to experience the real thing). Either way, NAMM has embraced it by teaming up with Red Octane, creator of Guitar Hero, for a new dealer program that brings the game into stores across the US. I will have pictures on our web site gallery of the NAMM/Guitar Hero kiosk later today.
We’re heading out now for the Breakfast of Champions and a panel discussion of industry veterans on how they have navigated the MI industry over the years and their thoughts on the road ahead. After that, the show floor opens and NAMM will be officially under way! Check back later for updates and we should have pics up in our website gallery!
Posted by MgMt. in Guitar
Learning to play an instrument, or have been playing your instrument for a while? Here’s 5 tips for every musician from Espie Estrella, from About.com:
1. Patience – Learning an instrument is hard at the beginning so you must be very patient with yourself. The beginning musician should especially keep in mind that each of us learn differently and it doesn’t necessarily mean that if you learn slower you’re not as good as someone else.
2. Warm-Up – Finger exercises and other form of warm-ups are crucial if you want to be a good player. Not only will it make your hands and fingers more flexible, it will also reduce the danger of injuries[/link]. Every music instrument player must do warm-ups first before playing or performing. You won’t run a marathon without stretching first, right? The same principle applies to playing an instrument.
3. Learn To Sight Read – Sight-reading is the ability to read a music piece without difficulty. It’s much like opening a book and reading it, the act is effortless and comes naturally. Tactile-playing is the ability to play an instrument without looking at your hands. This means you have mastered your instrument so much so that you can play it even with your eyes closed.
4. Know Your Theory – Understanding the difference between a grand staff and a quarter note makes it a lot easier to “talk shop” with other musicians. This knowledge can lead to better gigs and a greater satisfaction from performing.
5. Have Fun – Music and playing music should be fun and enjoyable.
Music is not only a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. According to NAMM, The International Music Products Association, 82% of people they have polled who do not currently play an instrument wish they had learned to play one. At age 5 or age 85, everyone can benefit socially, mentally and physically from playing an instrument, and here are 8 ways you can benefit.
1. Making music is beneficial to people of all ages. It positively affects children in their development of cognitive skills; teens by building confidence and connecting them socially; adults through reducing stress; and seniors by “exercising” the brain.
2. Strumming the guitar or playing the piano is not only cool, but it also creates social connections and inspires creativity and increases productivity.
3. Music is fun and provides entertainment and enjoyment, but not all know that music making has been scientifically proven to fight memory loss and reduce stress.
4. Playing music and even listening to music can lower blood pressure and stave off depression.
5. Playing music can enhance cognitive development in children and build confidence.
6. Students who were exposed to the music-based lessons scored a full 100 percent higher on fractions tests than those who learned in the conventional manner.
7. Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). – Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle
8. Perhaps the basic reason that every child must have an education in music is that music is a part of the fabric of our society. The intrinsic value of music for each individual is widely recognized in the many cultures that make up American life – indeed, every human culture uses music to carry forward its ideas and ideals. The importance of music to our economy is without doubt. And the value of music in shaping individual abilities and character are evident. – MENC
Progressive Music Center’s Founder and owner, Billy Cuthrell, loves to cook and eat good food! Billy has been asked many times about the delicious food he brings to work from his left overs and about getting some of his recipes. We also know that many of our students and our student’s families are in a rush and have little time for dinner now days, so here’s a recipe Billy cooks and enjoys regularly. It’s fast, packed with protein and heart healthy Omega 3 oils from the salmon and flax seed. Enjoy!
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp ground flax seed
1 clove garlic
4 6-oz salmon fillets
1 c cooked rice
Green vegetable of choice
In a baking dish, combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, flax seed, and garlic. Add the fish, coat it well, cover it, and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat it with cooking spray. Remove the fish from the marinade and place the fish skin-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes. Serve with rice and a green vegetable.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 433 calories, 42 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates, 20 g fat (3 g saturated), 3 g fiber, 252 mg sodium
