What I learned @...
April 6th, 2010
My guitar teacher and I just saw the Paul McCartney concert. Upon having a great time, the blatant observation we both had was that a 67 year old bass player performed a 2 1/2 hour concert with no intermission, and sang 40 year old songs in the same key. Inspired to practice and exercise (eventually), I know I have many possible music performing years left in me. Here's a video from that performance, and the inspiration of music making well beyond retirement age.
Spirit of the Season
November 18, 2009
I'm sure everyone has noticed that the Holiday Ad's, decorations, and promotions have started at every store including ours. Hopefully the Yuletide music can help remind us of the important things in life: Friends, Health, Creativity, Helping Others. Here's to the joy and humor as we keep our focus and wonder in life and music.
Potential and Understanding
August 11, 2009
Welcome to "Back to School". The wonderful time where our chilidren get out of the house and bloom into something great through education and discovery. We are all hoping they find their own "Special Gift" and are excited to explore all the posibilities that could become major directions in their lives. This summer I learned of two new music aspects that have begun to get my attention. The ukulele has been a fun surprise that has been very easy for me to adapt to as a guitarist. Hearing other musicians of great skill on this instrument has been very exciting. The new Peavey Vypyr guitar amp has been another new tool that I have seen bring great potential to many budding musicians by providing options and fun. I must admit: Understanding for me has come slowly. Reading manuals, watching videos, and personal training sessions, has all been daughnting. I am reminded that understanding demands a time commitment, and not just an attaboy. Here's a video on the Peavey amp.
Happy Understanding and Potential,
JP
Outside the Box:
July 24, 2009
One of the things that excites me most, is when someone has thought of a fresh way to make music. Combining styles, instruments, and note combinates has challenged our ears to constantly think in new ways. Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, Prince, all heard music combinations in their minds regularly, that had never been explored. This Sunday I performed for the first time on Ukulele, and for a church service. Here is a video that a friend sent me some time ago that first impressed me about this instrument.
You can't help but smile.
The Rest:
July 14, 2009
As we approach music, we incorporate "The Rest" as space to make "The Note" more pronounced. As I took a weekend or two semi off, I noticed how the notes I was preparing to play became more clear and valuable. Historically: The Beatles, while on vacation in India wrote "The White Album". While we're all less inspired to be productive in this very hot summer, let us value "The Rest", and the clarity it brings us.
Inspiration:
June 29, 2009
All of us have become excited about music by hearing an artist who is skilled, original, and lyrical. As we grow our skills, we often try to replicate a song or passage by this artist that we found inspirational. Upon practicing this piece we quickly discover just how difficult this is, and develop a respect for the many hours one might have put in to perform at such a high level. Let me recomend that you check out on the recording on You Tube of Michael Jackson (age 12) with The Jackson Five performing the Smokey Robinson song "Who's Loving You".
Setting the bar high is a beautiful thing,
JP
My New Blog!
June 24, 2009
Welcome to my first blog. I'm excited to share with you things that are new with The Music Store, as well as music that I've discovered each week that excites and inspires me.
For those who don't know me: I've spent many years playing in clubs, resorts, theater, and churches, in a variety of styles. I have a love and constant curiosity for many kinds of music.
This week The Music Store has recieved 20 ukuleles from Lanikai. These are quality, diverse instruments that have been fun to learn how to play. We also received Peavey amps this week which have been reliable and ground breaking in their design. I look forward to learning more about them as we spend much time hearing them over the next few weeks.
I've listened to a cool recording of Stephen Marley performing song "Mother and Child Reunion" from the Paul Simon tribute DVD called "Gershwin Prize for Popular Song". I've also been listening to a band called Poco. They are the beginning of "Country Rock", with band members including Jim Messina, Richie Furay, Randy Meissner, and Timothy B. Schmidt.
Learning is very cool,
JP
Peavey Amps Now in Stock!
The Music Store has been in its current location for 29 years. Formerly Garber Music, the store was purchased in 1993 by the current owners, Jon Paul Escobedo and Merri Lewter, who changed the store's name to The Music Store. At the store's beginning, Garber Music occupied 2,000 square feet with 3 teaching studios and a limited selection of books, instruments, and accessories.
Now, The Music Store has grown to 4,000 square feet and houses 11 teaching studios with 24 teachers. We have one of the largest and best selections of sheet music in Arizona, 15 guitar and amplifier lines, band and orchestra instruments, accessories, rentals, and a repair shop. We also provide online shopping, teacher workshops, sheet music research services, and news updates via e-mail newsletters, Twitter, and Facebook.
Over time, The Music Store has expanded greatly. However, we have maintained our commitment to exceptional education, quality products, and excellence in service. We consider ourselves to be your partner in music education, whether you are a teacher, director, parent, or student. Visit us and become a member of The Music Store family. We look forward to serving you.
There's Nothing Common About Our Staff
The Music Store is blessed to be graced with a staff comprised of multi-talented musicians from a variety of musical genres, each with an extensive broad-based music background and an area of specialty.
For example, in our sheet music department, you will find staff members who specialize in sacred organ, classical piano, viola, fiddle, vocal, keyboard, guitar, and low brass performance. Several of these staff members are working toward their music education degrees, others have already graduated - some with advanced degrees. Each participates regularly in music whether in a band, chamber group, educational, or a sacred setting.
In our instrument department, you will find staff members who specialize in guitar, bass, percussion, trombone, and piano performance. Some are still in school, while others have completed their educations. All participate in bands or sacred settings.
Each member of our staff has a wealth of knowledge and experience in music, which they use to assist you in your quest for instruments, print music, lessons, rentals, or repairs. We pride ourselves in being able to answer your questions, even if we have to research them, give you honest, trustworthy advice, and make you feel like you have the support of family with every purchase. We look forward to making you a part of The Music Store family.
The Music Store is always accepting applications for friendly and knowledgable staff. Applicants must be able to read music well. Applications and Questionnaires may be dropped off at the store or faxed to 480.831.1964.
Application