Practically Music

04/24/2024

A fantastic way to approach CAGED!

Join all-round guitar guru, Dr. Molly Miller, as she guides you through the fundamentals of the CAGED system in this 10-minute lesson. This video is perfect ...

01/15/2024

When I was a kid, we had times where money was tight - but my mother did everything she could to make sure I had music in my life. She surrounded me in great music (that I only later appreciated), she supported me taking part in the local music programs at the school - band, chorus, and even musical theatre (can you picture it?).

There were even times she was able to get a bit of extra money for private instruction.

These sessions were invaluable to my progress.

When I moved to Pennsylvania and switched to guitar, I was given the chance to be in Jazz Band for a year. Since I was not part of the regular school band (besides a couple of parts in some Mr. Holland's Opus piece), I couldn't stay on.

Also, I didn't really get any feedback in that group - which was fine, it wasn't meant for that, per se.

But Alice Frye Welker met with me, let me hang out in her class sometimes, where I met Stephen Faubel- and even after hours so I could just mess around on her piano for fun. She even gave me music - introduced me to more and more jazz and musical theatre. Gave me a chance to play guitar to accompany the chorus.

These chances to work one on one with someone meant everything to me.

And this is what I love doing now in my instruction. I have lots of different approaches and subjects I touch on. But working with Black Bear Conservatory of Music has given me a chance to expound on all of this, and help build community - with other people that I believe in.

And there is great pleasure in knowing that what my mother fought for regarding me did not go to waste. She was always there fighting for me to pursue music. One of the only people to do so consistently in my life, even though it was hard.

And to that end, I also work with people and organizations to help when funds are tight.

I won't give up, and Black Bear isn't either.

The goal we have set is a small one for what faces us, but no matter what the donations are, you can be sure we will put it towards sustaining this organization, and we are meeting it tenfold with volunteer work to make all of this happen.

Please consider donating and helping us reach this first checkpoint of 5000 dollars.

And if you cannot, trust me - I understand. But please do share it. It means a lot to me.

This is me playing a drum I got as a present (never went with drums in the end):

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bbcm-legacy-campaign

12/28/2023

I am a huge fan of "tricks" like this. This one, from Youtube creator Sean Daniel.

Getting from point A to point B is at least AS important as learning WHY.

Getting out there and playing - whether it is in front of a crowd or in your bedroom - is what propels musicians into speaking the language of music.

And this is one of those tricks. It was initially told to me as "play the Dorian scale two frets above the key (or chord)." But this one is even simpler and doesn't require a knowledge of the Dorian scale.

While it's true that it is good to know WHY this works, just DOING it is important straight away. You can learn both, hit me up if you're interested

Learn HOW and WHY with a guide - hit me up via a message, or go to blackbearmusic.net and sign up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFZ5szONR6c

This video is sponsored by Phenyx Pro and their awesome wireless systems, grab one for yourself:PTG-11: https://bit.ly/3EEnJ1LPTG-12: https://bit.ly/3MnEh0AH...

12/16/2023

who hasn't had their ears assaulted by this tune this year so far?!??!

Well, you might find this version interesting. Want to talk about Negative Harmony? Hit me up!

Lessons at my private studio and at Black Bear Conservatory of Music!

11/17/2023

ok! Have a whole set of them. If anyone wants to understand more about this system and how it applies, message me and we can set up an in-person OR virtual meeting.

11/10/2023

Trying to make some of these diagrams clearer and simpler. Difficulty level: impossible haha

10/06/2023

Just realized I didn't have a document outlining the idea of shell voicings! I used to refer to these as "jazz voicings" because I feel it is very effective in that context and is often used in jazz, but it's far bigger than that! Let me know if you see any errors in this one!

And remember, it's a great time to get going on learning the language of music as well as the amazing patterns on guitar. Contact Black Bear Conservatory of Music at 570-226-7606 for details on how to start now!

09/03/2023

It's actually not THAT bad. Decode the language, not each individual chord.

08/08/2023

Black Bear Conservatory of Music has been a musical staple of our little town for two decades and we have an amazing team of folks!!!!

I am, for right now, available there on Sundays and plan on taking on more students on that day and others.

We have some awesome teachers like Stephen Faubel, Matt Gray, and Mason Marie Clark.

I am grateful for Ryan Weber for starting this so long ago, and for hiring me back in 2011. It's been an honor, and I am looking forward to great things to come!

an old photo with a former student :)