Theory week

Al has just completed his 3rd "pick my brains" theory week since they begun last August, culminating as usual in a composition workshop based upon Schoenberg's wonderfully effective Models method. 

This improves ear training, reading and also understanding of music. As ever, all the results were played and sounded really good and full of character.

Next similar event will be in August 2014.

Al & Ray's next evening class course will begin in September 2014.

Recent videos

The 1st part of Al & Ray's tips & tricks tutorials are not up on the site. These cover common techniques found in well-known songs and riffs in no-nonsense way. The first batch includes chromatic bass runs, zero fretting, the minor/major 7 chord etc.
Look out for more tips & tricks videos soon as well as new music downloads to accompany the series.

Schoenberg day couse

Al's Understanding Schoenberg Day at Dillington House attracted a wonderful bunch of participants, whose lively contributions added to the exploration of a fascinating man, great teacher and composer of wonderful music.
There were some surprises perhaps on this "path of wonder" including some of his all too seldom heard late tonal pieces, and insights into other aspects of his character.

Tips & Tricks Part 1

Hi Everyone

A couple of new items recently placed on the website at www.alnray.co.uk

1. If you want to learn of couple of useful tips and tricks like that Eddie Cochran 'Summer Time Blues' intro - here's how it's done at Tips & Tricks

2. Here's a free download to whet your appetite amongst a great list of others - some cost just a few pence to download Fun Fingerpicking Pieces for improving and intermediate guitar players' Have fun guys and gals

Black banjo and acoustic cutaway

The GandA music shop in Chinns Court, Warminster has some new stock this week.
Continuing the tradition of stocking interesting and less usual instruments, there is a limited edition black banjo (only 12 available worldwide) and a lovely cutaway acoustic guitar (unusually not an electro model so you get all the acoustic sound you pay for) which would suit fingerpicking players and blues guitarists really well.
Greg runs the shop on Thursdays from 10am until 4pm (also offering restringing and servicing etc) and it operates by appointment for the other 6 days of the week.

New free guitar music downloads

Two really nice tunes from the Renaissance are now available as free downloads, in treble clef as well as TAB (tablature) notation for guitar. Watkin's Ale and Squirrel's Toye make great fingerpicking pieces. For tutors they are superb teaching material too.

next adult acoustic guitar evening class

Ray and Al are offering another 6 weeks of evening classes for adult acoustic guitar improvers, starting on Thursday 20th March.
2 hours a week, with two tutors; excellent tea, coffee (etc) and biscuits; £150 includes all music materials (clef notation, tablature; chord diagrams); great social atmosphere; friendly and informative tuition.
There is one place left. Contact Ray or Al if interested.