ArtistWorks Live: Talking Jazz with John Patitucci

Thu, 06/15/2017 - 2:04pm
Written by ArtistWorks

In this month’s episode of ArtistWorks Live, we were talking with our jazz bass teacher John Patitucci. He’s always up to something and it was interesting to learn more about his experiences as a professional musician. We had some great questions coming in, thanks to everyone who participated!

As always, we send out links to these in advance to our 12 month members so can tune in ask whatever questions they have. It's always different, but always fun. Check it out, and see below for links to more episodes of ArtistWorks Live!

ArtistWorks Live: Talking Dobro with Andy Hall

Tue, 05/09/2017 - 3:44pm
Written by ArtistWorks

In our latest episode of ArtistWorks Live, we were joined by our Dobro (and lap steel guitar) teacher Andy Hall. We talked about everything from how he got his start playing music (which includes a long-haired heavy metal phase we have picture proof of), touring with the Infamous Stringdusters (and how he finds time to keep up with his students), playing while singing, how to get a clean tone, and more. Plus there’s plenty of deep Dobro talk for the pickers, as well as some nice Dobro playing from Andy. He tells a great story about earning the good graces of Earl Scruggs (and getting invited to the coveted annual birthday jam).

It’s a lot of fun as always and hosted by ArtistWorks’ own Director of Operations, John Graves. We do these once a month live with one of our teachers and anyone with a 12 month membership can tune in live to ask questions. It’s always different because frankly, nothing is planed. We like to keep the conversation casual and see what kind of questions are asked in the comment box. You never know where things will go. Stay tuned for another one coming next month! 

ArtistWorks Live: Talking Bass with Nathan East

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 11:34am
Written by ArtistWorks

Did you know Nathan East got his start playing cello before he moved on to bass? That he likes to warm up his fingers by playing the theme from “Popeye"? You would if you tuned in to our latest edition of ArtistWorks Live!

We do these once a month with one of our amazing teachers, and this month we were Talking Bass with Nathan East. As per usual, 12 month members of all our schools are notified in advance of any upcoming ArtistWorks Live episodes so they can tune in live to ask questions on whatever they want. It’s always different, but always a good time! 

ArtistWorks Live: Talking Cello with Mike Block

Thu, 03/09/2017 - 11:03am
Written by ArtistWorks

For anyone that missed it, here's a great edition of ArtistWorks Live we did recently. This time we talked with the great cello mind (and recent Grammy Winner) Mike Block. We do these once a month with different teachers and special guests, and anyone with a 12 month subscription can tune in and ask questions. It's always different but always a lot of fun getting to know our teachers a bit more outside of the lessons. 

This last one was no exception, there were a lot of great questions sent in by many of you. Here’s some of what we talked about:

  • The most efficient use of your practice time
  • Managing stage fright/performance anxiety
  • How Mike got involved playing with Yo-Yo Ma & the Silk Road Ensemble
  • What is it about the cello that made Mike want to learn
  • How to stay motivated to keep making music

We also got to hear some beautiful cello playing, including a special piece that was composed for Silk Road Ensemble by one of their members from Syria. 

Enjoy it and be sure to check the YouTube playlist here for past episodes with more of our amazing ArtistWorks teachers!