News, Reviews, and Interviews
Volume 3, Issue 10 May 2008
LooseyLucy's Headquarters Newswire Music Industry News
Indie News Beat Interview of the Month
News
The Future of Music Lessons... FREE: Your Daily Music Lesson with Walt
Call it Music Lessons 2.0 - Graywave, and its founder Walt Ribeiro, have launched 'Your Daily Music Lesson with Walt' - a daily Video Music classroom broadcast that enables students around the world to have music lessons - for free.
Every weekday at www.waltribeiro.net
and www.ustream.tv/waltribeiro
is Live interactive Streaming video of Walt Ribeiro covering everything from music theory, guitar chords, sight reading, production, and more - complete with a whiteboard, students, handouts, interaction, etc.
The show is broadcasted live Weekdays from 3-7pm Eastern Standard Time and has already been viewed by over 18,000 students since its launch in the beginning of March. There's even an archive of every topic covered throughout the day, so if you miss the days lesson you can easily catch up and watch what you missed.
This is the exact same experience you get in a classroom - it's a tight community, but a less stressful environment. Every day Walt touches upon a new subject, but the class topic is open all day, so students can join in on the chat, and even call up Walt via Skype - in real time - and have their questions answered while the others listen and learn. He even posts a set schedule outlining what topics will be discussed in the days to come. If the majority community demands to work on their sight reading, then Walt fits that into his schedule during class. No grades to worry about. No Class Credits to pay. No test to study or finals to cram for.
"I set out to do something about the situation of music today. For example, the guitar is more popular today than ever before - but music classes are becoming less frequent in schools - and if available, costly to sign up for and time consuming to attend. Static videos are good for static information, but they're not interactive."
Most video tutorial sites ask for a credit card, or cost an unusually large amount of money, upwards of $40 a week - and they're not interactive. Private lessons cost up to $60 an hour. But now through the technology of
www.Ustream.tv and live streaming video, and because the lessons are advertiser-supported, it is possible to have the information and lessons for free. Next to Walt's broadcast is a direct link to the advertisers' product.
Ribeiro's Youtube video tutorial on 'How to Read Music' has been viewed by nearly 25,000 people in only a few short months. "That's when I realized people all over had wanted a new form to turn to in their musical development. That's when I knew interactive video was the only way to approach tutorials. The students can play guitar in front of their camera and I can teach them while everyone watches us - it's really amazing."
Imagine being on your laptop in a coffee shop and you have a question, but no one to talk to. Whether you're a hobbyist with a quick question, or a performer that needs some help, just ask Walt, and he'll reply - in real time - you don't even need a video camera!
Students can participate in the forum, where they can communicate to each other about various topics/questions, etc.
Walt Ribeiro is a graduate of Philadelphia's University of the Arts in Music Composition, and has taught hundreds of students in both Guitar and Piano. He wrote, produced, and self-published his first CD written for a full orchestra titled 'I.I' at the young age of 21, and has extensive music experience.
For additional information on this Music class or Advertising opportunities, contact Walt, or visit
www.waltribeiro.net or www.ustream.tv/waltribeiro
Reviews
Bootleg Tonic - Volume 1
Bootleg Tonic is a terrific duo, featuring singer, Georgiana Trent, and guitarist, Eran Taviv. Volume I is their debut album and it is amazing. The opener, "When It All Goes Down," flows seamlessly into the second track, "Haven't You Heard," a blues rock song with soulful, angelic vocals. "Give It To Me Slowly" shows off Georgiana's extensive range. "Hard Times" has a catchy chorus and features Ivan Neville on B3 Organ. He also performs on several other tracks. Bootleg Tonic's style is a little diverse. "Scars" is a sweet, wistful acoustic ballad, while "Love You More" gets kind of funky. "I've Had Enough" has a definite pop tone to it. Volume I also contains some poignant lyrics. For example, on "Spinning" Georgiana sings, "People have always been the same/They won't change anything/They'd give a million for a stone/Not a dollar for your soul." Definitely worth checking out!
Brian Molnar - Feelin' Out of Time
Brian Molnar's style of Americana folk might sound a little like a cross between Bob Dylan and John Denver, but it has a freshness to it that gives it a modern flair. The infectious, "I Knew I'd See You Again," introduces the listener to Brian's warm, inviting voice. Lyrically, Feelin' Out of Time can get pretty deep at times. On the soothing ballad, "It Only Breaks My Heart," Brian sings, "Found you can't find gold without moving your feet." "Feelin' Out of Time" is the beautifully written title track, and "Darkness" has an enveloping mellowness to it. Maria Woodford sings backup vocals on "To Rescue You" and several other tracks. Her voice and Brian's blend together wonderfully. "When You'd Fall From Grace" has a pleasing chorus, and "Dark Eyes" displays solid musicianship. If you love Americana music, do not miss Brian Molnar's Feelin' Out of Time!!
Michael Stollaire - Holy Avenger
If you are missing hard rock music with a nice pop feel, listen to Michael Stollaire's Holy Avenger. The album starts out with the rocker, "Little Princess." "Watch Her Walk" has a driving groove and a sing-along chorus. "Just Like Yesterday" is lots of fun, and the blues rock tune, "Island Blues," has a great hook. Michael shows his sensitive side with three lovely ballads, "I Can't Let You Go," "One Love," and "Liquid Gold." On "Knock the Walls Down" and "The Girl's On Fire," he really rocks out! "This Country Boy Can Rock" has a distinct southern rock feel, while "Can't Stop This Feeling" is quite danceable. Overall, good album!
DeCoy - Exchange Rate
Italian-American rapper, Decoy has a mesmerizing smooth flow with a street-edged delivery. His album, Exchange Rate, is enticing and the production is top-rate. "One City" talks of unity, and "Dance for Cash" is a raw club banger about strippers. "Diamonds and Gold" has a interesting beat, while the touching, "Can't Miss You Anymore," is emotionally heartfelt and deep. On "Little Italy," Decoy raps about his Italian pride, and on the anti-war, "Dear Mr. President," he gets politically fired up. The intriguing, "Into the Night," samples Benny Mardones song by the same name. On "Never Leave Me Alone," Decoy and featured artist, Oxburg, deliver a flow similar to Eminem. The street-smart, "End of the Road," is a tribute to Italian-American history, and the album's bonus tracks include an excellent "Freestyle" and the humorous, "Holly Jolly Christmas." Overall, a fantastic CD!!!
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