Update: 2 November, 2008
Welcome to Fretboard.com. Unlike the .net and .org versions, this site really does have musically related content for the aspiring guitar and bass player as well as musicians in general. This site isn't fancy. It is pragmatic, which is to say: "form follows function". It is more important to get you where you want to go quickly rather than dazzle you with how good our web designer is. Who really cares anyway? You want to learn, not stare at the pretty pictures (except the ones of guitars and stuff, right?).
A new column on Philosophy is now available. This is not a blog. It is laid out more as an online book, "chapters" of which will be added from time to time in a subject based format where the spiritual, mental and emotional elements and considerations of what it is to be a musician really means are discussed. It is the product of over 40 years in the music field.
Got an interesting "war story", a tale of a gig that went all wrong or some amusing anecdote about real life musician experiences? Send them in here: War Stories
There will be no blogs. How much ego does one need? We're not that interesting -- in fact, most musicians are boors; we have some interesting stories to tell, but really, most of us are normal people, we just play music as our source of income. Sorry, but that is more true than you may realise. The stuff you see on TV is not the way or the lifestyle of most working musicians. Want to know what we think? Read the Philosophy and the soon to come Working Musician sections.
We are currently in a pilot program with select volunteers to test run our upcoming online lesson program through e-mail and correspondence. Some materials will be offered via download if they are too large for inboxes of e-mail accounts. So far, the results are good; our volunteers, both guitar and bass players, are responding well and giving valuable feedback. We are using this program to help iron out any problems or weaknesses so there will be fewer problems once this program becomes available to all interested folks.
Once the pilot program is finished here is what you can expect.
A typical music lesson will run you $15.00 and will be transacted via Paypal. If you do not wish to use Paypal, other means can be employed, but may delay delivery of lesson (waiting for check or money order to clear, for example). All international lessons (people based outside United States) will have to use Paypal. Sorry, but this is the most efficient method. Lessons will be sent once payment clears.
We will be offering a very high level of quality and support. Rest assured, all questions you may have can be answered and will include enough detail to satisfy your need. The result is twofold: a) you have access to a wealth of materials at all levels of proficiency and, b) a reduced expense per lesson. But communication is still extremely important and we encourage this throughout your education. We have compiled and created a huge body of materials over the years to be able to address most guitar and bass player requirements.
You can progress at your own pace. We recommend two week intervals between lessons. This may seem a long time, but it accomplishes two things: a) you will have sufficient time to comprehend, learn and begin to integrate the lesson into your daily playing routine, b) you will save money because you progress at your pace. Two lessons a month is thirty bucks. Four lessons a month is sixty bucks. Look at it this way. At sixty bucks a month, that's only 720 bucks a year for a progressive education in guitar or bass. At thirty bucks a month it is 360 bucks. And you get the benefit of tapping into the mind and experience of real working professional musicians.
As an example, our head of lesson development has over 40 years musical experience, over 30 years of which is as a professional touring and recording studio musician, and enjoys over 20 years of teaching experience. A second has over 20 years of musical experience, playing in various bands and as a worship leader at a local church. There are few questions that cannot be addressed and answered.
All written material will be in PDF format; all recorded material, when needed, will be in MP3 format. These are the most universally accepted formats in the world.
If this interests you, send an e-mail HERE to sign up.
Just as "in person" lessons are not cookie cutter plans, but in fact unique to your need, so we are operating on the same principle. We have to prepare your next lesson based on your specific need or problem areas as they arise. You may need to focus on something more than you thought and we tailor your growth to address that need. The "individual touch" will not be abandoned simply because you and your teacher are not "face to face".
If you lose any material let us know and we will send your lesson materials a second time.
You can proceed for as long as you wish, prepaying each lesson as you go. If you do not wish to continue, we would appreciate feedback as to what brought you to your decision to stop the course with us. We are constantly striving to improve all aspects of our lessons and communications and appreciate the positive and the negative feedback we receive.
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As the head of development on staff here, I bring over twenty years teaching experience to the table. Why should this be important to you? You want to know that any teacher you consider actually knows what they're doing, that they are directed and focused and have a system of teaching that actually works. You want your teacher to be passionate as well. And you want them to be available to answer your questions.
You also might like to know that I have over thirty years of professional musical experience, having toured extensively. I also have a long history working in recording studios (as a guitar player, bass player, engineer and producer). I was the Director of Music Ministry at a church in Los Angeles, California up until May of 2004 when I moved to Oregon. You don't get that kind of position if you don't know what you're doing!
\ I have other teachers available as more students sign up. So don't worry that its just a one man show. It isn't. All teachers I bring on board are pre-qualified by me to be fully capable and who know their stuff.
Thank you for your time and attention in visiting our site.