MY FINGERS ARE SORE
Posted by Rick in Music / Artists, News, students, Tips / Technique on January 22, 2012
Yes, even I get sore fingers. Usually that happens when I switch instruments for a while. I have been playing more Spanish guitar lately and that uses a whole new set of fingering techniques. I always advise students, who play more that one stringed instrument, to be sure to switch instruments once in a while. It will keep you fresh and keep those fingers in shape. Also, you won’t get bored with your playing as quickly.
It’s cold outside, why not stay in and play more music?
ROSCOE VILLAGE APPLE BUTTER STIRRING FESTIVAL
Posted by Rick in guitar history, Music / Artists, News, students on October 2, 2011
Hey, everyone. I will be backing my guitar student, Jenna Billman, at the Roscoe Village Apple Butter Stirring Festival. We will be performing on Sunday, October 16th between 3pm and 5pm. There is a $3.00 admission charge. Get there early and enjoy the festivities!
See Jenna’s listing here. Check out the Festival page here.
We hope to see you all there!
YOU WILL NEVER FEEL THE SAME ABOUT THE CELLO
Posted by Rick in Gear, guitar history, Music / Artists, News, students, Videos on September 30, 2011
We ran across these very talented guys and want to share them with you. You won’t want to miss this. Be sure to check some of their other videos while you’re there!
EPIPHONE
Posted by Rick in Gear, guitar history, News, students on September 1, 2011
Epiphone has a new model guitar out. Go here to see it. It looks a lot like a vintage Gibson parlor guitar.
The Summer has been great. I’ve learned a lot of new stuff and I hope you have, too. As Fall approaches, get ready for those fireside jam sessions and enjoy yourself!
INTERSTING NEWS FROM JIMMY PAGE
Posted by Rick in Music / Artists, News, students on July 18, 2011
It looks like Jimmy Page has finally gone digital. Check it out
here.
It’s summer and it’s busy. Lots of stuff to do. Don’t forget your guitar lessons and practice! Also, please remember to call in advance if you must miss your lesson. It really helps your teacher to be able to plan his day better and maybe even fill your spot. Thanks!
JENNA BILLMAN
Posted by Rick in Music / Artists, News, students, Videos on May 27, 2011
We have the honor of mentoring a student name Jenna Billman. Jenna is a hard working, natural talent who has big plans for her music. She will be attending Belmont College when she graduates high school. Jenna is only 17, but, as you will see, she has the presence of a well seasoned performer. Enjoy!
GREAT STUDENTS, GREAT POSTER
Posted by Rick in Music / Artists, News, students on February 14, 2011
Wow, it’s been too long. I have been extremely busy teaching and working with Missing Daybreak. I am proud to say I have some very impressive and dedicated students who are working very hard. There is always room for more, though!
My good friend and band mate, JPH, found a neat poster I want to share with you. Too bad it’s out of print.
Hope everyone is looking forward to Spring and playing their instruments daily.
TIAGO DELLA VEGA
Posted by Rick in Music / Artists, News, Tips / Technique, Videos on April 9, 2010
This will open your eyes!
Tiago Della Vega is a Brazilian guitarist. Born in Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, he began learning to play the acoustic guitar at the age of five. After a year, he realized that the electric guitar was his greatest passion. He started to study electric guitar, practicing 14 hours a day.
Tiago della Vega played with the bands After Dark and Fermatha. At present, he travels around the world playing and doing workshops. He currently holds the Guinness World Records title as the fastest guitar player in the world, playing The Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov at 320 beats per minute.
He plays a custom signature Andrellis 7-string guitar which has 24 frets and a Floyd Rose tremolo, the Andrellis TDV.
HERE’S MY LATEST TOOL OF THE TRADE
I love my latest toy! I’ve wanted one of these for a long time. First of all, I needed a banjo I could easily haul around for teaching. Secondly, I wanted something I could keep at hand without the worry of exposing a much more expensive banjo to the daily bumps and grinds of constant practice and handling. This Deering Goodtime is the answer for me. It not only plays like a much more expensive banjo, the sound is nothing less than incredible. It has the brightness and bounciness you want, but is just a little more subdued than it’s heavier brothers. I’m having a blast with it and it’s working out great for all my new banjo students.

ESP GUITARS CELEBRATES 35 YEARS
Posted by Rick in Gear, guitar history, Music / Artists, News, Tips / Technique on February 11, 2010
ESP Guitars is celebrating 35 years with a new web site. Check it out here.