FREE Online Lessons (lessons.shtml) | Updated: 01-Jan-2009 - 02:47
Welcome to the FREE online lessons section of Curt Sheller Publications is a small (me, myself & I, independent publishing company catering to the needs of musicians, guitar players and ukulele players worldwide with the resources and information needed to develop as a musician. Curt Sheller Publications was created by Curt Sheller (me) in 1995 and has been on the web since. Curt Sheller has over 40 years of playing experience, 20 plus years of teaching experience and is an author of over 30 books on guitar, ukulele and music.
For instrument specific FREE online lessons and other info visit these sections:
Taking a survey of your instrument and music knowledge is a start to creating a well rounded plan for development and furthering your ukulele enjoyment.
Major triads used to create a melody or improvised solo.
Triads area great, played melodically are a great way to have you solos sound great right from the get go.
Learning this classic song. Video, Play-along, chart with tips and tricks for playing and improvising over Blue Bossa.
Many people feel that they cannot begin music after a certain age. This is a common myth. Age proves no obstacle to the enjoyable pursuit of music. The mature person has a better sense of his or her own needs, makes better use of time and understands the value and need for self-expression.
It is commonly thought that the study of music requires hours a day of boring practice. Rather than long, tedious practice, what is needed is a very efficient and interesting lesson plan in which students can develop their musicial ability within the framework of their own available time.
How does anyone spend their leisure time? There is certainly no shortage of alternatives. The experience of music is a most satisfying pastime. It grows even more satisfying as students begin to develop their abaility to play.
Since music provides an opportunity to develop one's creative capacities, it should be part of eveyone's educational experience. The concentration and discipline developed through the study of music is particularly valuable to children or adults who have never been exposed to creative music in the traditional school setting.
Music, so popular with youth, is an execllent bridge to the so-called "generation gap". Music favors neither male or female, adult or child. It provides a unique opportunity for communication between parents and children. Though few take advantage of it, participation in music is one of the finest possible family activities.
Few people are aware of the many new developments in music education today. It is quite common to identify music lessons with the boring and repetitive exercises of many years ago. In contrast to this, our approach and material are uniquely suited to the needs of the contemporary student.
Anyone who has accepted responsibility in life has unavoidable pressure. It is most necessary to have a way to relax from the pressures of daily life. Music, with its emphasis on the relaxed exploration of sound, provides an excellent opportunity to escape from the tension and pressures of daily responsibility.
For instrument specific FREE online lessons and other info visit these sections:
Thanks to Chuck Anderson for permission to use the above copy
Here are two flyers (PDF files) that I have as handouts for potential students and their parents. These have been very successful in attracting new students.
For private one-on-one guitar, bass or ukulele lessons in the Philadelphia or Pottstown, PA area contact me at:
610 326 7295
Clinics, Workshops and Concerts anywhere. Visit the Workshops and Concerts page for more information.
Here is what Chuck Anderson says about formal study:
Should you study music with a teacher or should you "wing" it on your own? This question always comes up in this type of discussion about music.
An objective assessment of the two alternative approaches leads me invariably towards the formal route. Why? Because without guidance, there is a tendency to go in circles, What do you practice, when do you move to the next topic? When are you doing something wrong? How do you practice what doesn't exist to you?
Many complain about time as a factor leading to the decision not to study. I would suggest that exactly the opposite is true. Those with less time need the efficiency of study. Without it, there's a tendency to "practice" what you're already good at. Study ensures that you will be working on your weaknesses. The results of self teaching are obvious. A player may get good at one thing but have blatant weaknesses in another.
If you use famous players in the past as your justification for not studying, you'd be wrong! Wes Montgomery was self taught - there's your justification. But is it? Wes was self taught because there were no teachers at that time. I don't mean no qualified teachers. I mean no teachers. Wes told me "Make sure you study. Don't do what I did."
Chuck Anderson - www.ChuckAndersonGuitar.com