ArtistWorks Blog

Flamenco guitar is a rich and expressive art form, deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Central to mastering this style are the foundational chord positions known as "Por Arriba" and "Por Medio." Understanding these positions is essential for any aspiring flamenco guitarist.

Clawhammer banjo, a staple in old-time and traditional American music, offers a rich tapestry of rhythm patterns that can be interwoven to create dynamic and engaging accompaniments. Mastering these patterns not only enhances your rhythmic foundation but also adds depth to your playing. In this blog, we'll explore four fundamental clawhammer banjo patterns: Bum-Ditty, Double Thumb, Cross Over, and Roll. Understanding and applying these patterns interchangeably will elevate your rhythm playing.

In bluegrass banjo playing, particularly within the melodic and single-string styles, mastering closed hand positions is essential for fluidity and precision across the fretboard. A pivotal aspect of these positions is the role of the fretting hand's middle finger, which determines the positional framework for scales and melodies.

Mandolin lovers, get ready for an unforgettable musical experience! Renowned mandolinists Mike Marshall and Caterina Lichtenberg are hosting their highly anticipated Mandolin World Retreat in the breathtaking setting of Sicily, Italy. Set against a backdrop of sun-drenched landscapes, rich history, and world-class cuisine, this retreat is the perfect opportunity for players of all levels to immerse themselves in mandolin mastery.

January and the New Year are always a great time for reflection, and as we step into 2025, we at ArtistWorks wanted to take a moment to recognize one of our proudest achievements and biggest highlights from 2024. This past September, we were deeply honored to receive one of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) “Distinguished Achievement Awards” at the 2024 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible bluegrass music education to students around the world.

We’re excited to announce that pre-sale VIP memberships are now available for our newest course, “Blues Guitar with Seth Rosenbloom.” While the course officially launches in March, joining early grants you access to a handful of amazing perks and exclusives leading up to the launch, including:

We are excited to announce our newest course coming in March 2025, “Blues Guitar with Seth Rosenbloom.”

We’re thrilled to announce twelve new lessons have been added to the "Duets" section of Alex Hargreaves’ fiddle course on ArtistWorks! These additions build on the original ten duet lessons featuring Alex and guitarist Jim Nunally. The new lessons introduce duet arrangements for twelve tunes already included in the curriculum, offering a fresh perspective and new inspiration for students.